What is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership (SL) is a set of behaviors and practices that turn the traditional “power leadership” model upside down; instead of the people working to serve the leader, the leader actually exists to serve the people. As a result, the practice is centered on a desire to serve and emphasizes collaboration, trust, empathy, and the ethical use of power. Its primary goal is to enhance individual growth, teamwork and overall employee involvement and satisfaction.
As servant leaders, we focus on the growth and well being of people and their communities and our main purpose is to inspire and equip all those we influence.
Strong leadership techniques are a key component of any organization, but not all leadership techniques are created equal. Unlike other leadership programs, our dedicated team can help you uncover the Servant Leadership benefits that will take your operation to new heights.
First, by applying Servant Leadership principles, you can greatly increase the efficiency and happiness of your entire team. Just a few benefits include:
- More engagement and accountability
- Added confidence and dedication
- Decreased sick days
- Increased employee retention
- Maximized profits
Another benefit of SL is the fact that you can support a better work-life balance among your employees. By helping them to maintain healthy relationships in every area of their lives, you can ensure they’re fully engaged and present when it’s time to get to work.
Servant Leadership benefits don’t just affect those being served. They also have a huge positive effect on those serving as well.
Traditional leadership techniques can leave leaders feeling like they’re battling for power, status, or material possessions. It can create a sense of separation between those being served and the ones who are supposed to be doing the serving.
SL is different because it flips the script. Instead of employees working to serve the leader, the leader exists to serve the employee by inspiring and equipping him/her to do great work. It allows everyone on your team to connect on a deeper, more meaningful level. It enables you to truly serve the deepest needs of the people you work with every day, decreasing stress and improving overall health and well-being.
Servant Leadership is more than a philosophy; it is a daily practice of behaviours. What are you already doing? And, what can you do better? Use the following list daily to acknowledge your progress and celebrate your journey as a servant leader – someone who builds a cohesive trusting culture in which we can live and work.