Servant Leadership: A Necessary Model for Businesses and Teams
Servant leadership is a term that may be unfamiliar to many, yet it is an important model of leadership that translates well to the corporate world. A style of leadership not typically taught in school or business training, servant leadership is a collection of beliefs and behaviors that prove effective in creating a meaningful connection between employees and the organization. This article will provide an overview of servant leadership and how it can contribute to a team’s success.
What is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership captures the essence of placing others before yourself by demonstrating a commitment to servant behavior. Developed by Robert Greenleaf, servant leadership is a model of leadership heavily focused on developing and engaging the team to succeed. It’s about providing guidance and service to the people on the team, always working with an attitude of helping the team grow so that everyone can be the best they can be. Servant leaders are selfless in their approach, dedicating their time and energy to helping their team grow.
Benefits of Servant Leadership
When implemented properly, servant leadership results in improved trust, authentic communication, and a team-oriented culture. Studies have shown that servant leadership has a positive impact on employee engagement. Servant leaders focus on improving the effectiveness of the team and building strong relationships by encouraging collaboration and communication. When a team is led by a servant leader, everyone feels like they are playing a part in building something bigger.
Servant leaders are also great role models, demonstrating through their own behavior the team’s values, standards, and goals. They provide clear direction while giving team members the freedom to explore their ideas. This level of trust allows each person to step into their role fully, creating an environment of innovation and risk-taking. Since servant leadership bolsters employee and team morale, it often leads to more successful projects.
Becoming a Servant Leader
Becoming a successful servant leader is not an easy task. It requires dedication, strong character, and humbly shared knowledge. Here are a few tips to help you create a culture of servant leadership within your team:
• Listen to team members – Everyone needs to be heard in order to grow and develop. When a leader truly listens to their team, they gain important insights and create a sense of trust.
• Coach and mentor – Leaders who take the time to mentor their team will foster a supportive, learning-oriented environment. Engaging in coaching conversations shows that the leader values the team and its individual members.
• Be inclusive – Everyone has something to contribute and a great leader will recognize this. Encourage collaboration, call on everyone’s strengths and help each team member reach their goals.
• Lead by example – Demonstrate the qualities and behaviors that you expect from your team. This will show them that you respect them as individuals and that the team is more important than any one person.
• Set the direction – Clear and effective communication will ensure that everyone understands what the goals of the team are and how they can contribute.
Servant leadership is proving to be an effective model for teams and organizations of all sizes. When done correctly, it provides a unique opportunity to engage, motivate, and develop team members while inspiring others to follow the same model of service. It gives leaders an opportunity to foster a positive work environment and lead people to greatness.