What Is Servant Leadership

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What Is Servant Leadership - It has been believed by many people that in any hierarchical structure, the one who is at the top of the pyramid is the boss or the leader. However, the new kind of leadership style comes and it may change the way we look at the structure of a traditional leadership. This new type of leadership is what we call as the Servant Leadership. Different from the traditional and common leadership style, in which the servant serves the boss, the servant leadership turns the structure upside down. The leader is the one who should serve the servant. You may think that it is too crazy to be believable, but the idea has actually been with us since long time ago.

What Is Servant Leadership

Servant leadership brings back the original way of leadership 

The original way of leadership is that one person could lead a lot of people to achieve their goal. One person is chosen because he or she is seen to be able to lead the others. Having a lot of people with the same goal will be a mess if they are not lead or managed by one person. You can imagine the chaos. However, the world has been exposed to bad leader who change the goal of the mass into the goal of his or her own. From this, the servants seem to be the one who feed the leader and not the other way around like it is supposed to. 

What Is Servant Leadership

The Servant Leadership brings the old concept of leadership back in its track, in which the leader should be the one who serve the need of the masses and not the other way around like the distorted view of traditional leadership. In this kind of leadership, the leader has to be the one who thinks the way to achieve the goal that is purposed by the people or the servant.

 Embracing the Power of Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy and approach that emphasizes serving and prioritizing the needs of others. Coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s, servant leadership is based on the idea that leaders should focus on the growth, well-being, and development of their followers or employees, rather than solely pursuing their own power or success. Servant leaders put the needs of others first and strive to empower and support their team members to reach their full potential.

Characteristics of Servant Leadership:

• Putting Others First: Servant leaders prioritize the needs, interests, and well-being of their followers. They actively listen, empathize, and seek to understand the perspectives and concerns of others.

• Servant Heart: Servant leaders have a genuine desire to serve and contribute to the success and growth of others. They possess a deep sense of care and compassion for their team members.

• Empathy and Listening: Servant leaders actively listen to others, seeking to understand their viewpoints and experiences. They demonstrate empathy and create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued and understood.

• Healing and Support: Servant leaders strive to create a positive and nurturing work environment. They offer support, encouragement, and guidance to their team members, fostering personal and professional growth.

• Selflessness: Servant leaders are not driven by personal ego or ambition but by the desire to uplift others. They are willing to make personal sacrifices to ensure the well-being and success of their team.

• Ethical and Moral Leadership: Servant leaders prioritize ethical and moral decision-making. They act with integrity, transparency, and fairness, setting an example for others to follow.

• Building Community: Servant leaders foster a sense of community and collaboration within their teams. They encourage teamwork, cooperation, and mutual respect among team members.

• Empowerment and Development: Servant leaders empower their team members by providing them with autonomy, resources, and opportunities for growth and development. They believe in unlocking the potential of others and helping them achieve their goals.

Benefits of Servant Leadership:

1. Increased Trust and Loyalty: Servant leaders create an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect, fostering strong relationships with their team members. This leads to increased loyalty, commitment, and engagement.
2. Enhanced Team Performance: By prioritizing the needs and development of their team members, servant leaders create an environment that promotes collaboration, creativity, and productivity. This, in turn, leads to improved team performance and outcomes.
3. Employee Growth and Satisfaction: Servant leaders invest in the growth and development of their team members, helping them reach their full potential. This results in increased job satisfaction, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment among employees.
4. Sustainable Organizational Culture: Servant leadership contributes to the creation of a positive and supportive organizational culture. It sets the tone for ethical behavior, collaboration, and a focus on serving others, creating a sustainable and healthy work environment.

Conclusion What Is Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is a powerful approach that flips the traditional leadership paradigm by placing the needs of others at the forefront. By serving and empowering their team members, servant leaders create an environment that fosters growth, trust, and collaboration. This leadership philosophy has the potential to transform organizations, enhance employee well-being and engagement, and drive sustainable success.