An Inside Look Into Servant Leadership

The concept of servant leadership revolves around the principle that leaders should emphasize serving the greater good. Leaders who follow this model put the needs of their teams and organizations before their own. They do not prioritize the goals that they have set for themselves.
Employees who work in an environment characterized by servant leadership are more likely to perceive that their opinions and ideas are considered. The goal of servant leadership is to realize a vision by providing substantial assistance and encouragement to the workforce. In turn, this makes it possible for workers to gain knowledge and experience and contribute their own unique expertise and point of view. Building influence and authority is more important than exercising control or engaging in other destructive forms of leadership here.

Robert K. Greenleaf is the creator of servant leadership. He also explained in 10 ways what it takes to be a Servant-Leader:

Listening. Leader-follower communication is two-way, consisting of sending and receiving messages (i.e., talking and listening). Effective communication for servant-leaders begins with active listening. They understand that learning to listen to and take in what others say is a skill in and of itself. Listening attentively allows servant leaders to validate their followers’ points of view.

Empathy. To empathize with someone is to put oneself in their place and try to understand the world as they do. Leaders who empathize with their followers’ needs show they are deeply familiar with their feelings. Empathy from a servant leader is a sign of approval and affirmation from the follower.

Healing. The followers of a servant leader are important to that leader. They encourage their followers and aid them in resolving their issues. According to Greenleaf, the healing process is mutually beneficial; by assisting followers in mending their brokenness, servant leaders also find their wounds treated.

Awareness. According to Greenleaf, a servant leader’s awareness allows them to fully perceive and respond to the world around them. Knowledge of oneself and one’s influence on others is a part of this. Awareness allows servant leaders to take a step back and evaluate their position and viewpoint within the broader framework of the situation.

Persuasion. To successfully persuade another person to change their mind, you must speak their language clearly and repeatedly. Persuasion is the art of influencing someone to change their mind without force or judgment, as opposed to the more forceful method of coercion.

Conceptualization. The ability to conceptualize means that a person can serve as a leader and guide an organization toward its desired outcomes. This trait goes beyond the typical operational mindset and considers the bigger picture. Conceptualization also provides servant leaders with the tools they need to respond creatively to difficult organizational problems, allowing them to tackle the complexities of the organization in light of its long-term goals.

Foresight. The ability to see into the future is central to being a servant leader. It is the skill of anticipating future events by analyzing past ones and the state of affairs at the present moment. Since leaders should be held responsible for their inability to foresee and act upon what is reasonably foreseeable, Greenleaf sees foresight as having an ethical dimension.

Stewardship. To be a good steward, a leader must accept accountability for the position they have been given. When allowed to lead, servant-leaders gladly accept the weighty burden of responsibly overseeing the many people and processes under their charge. Furthermore, they have faith in the organization because they believe it will contribute to society.

Commitment to the growth of people. According to Greenleaf, a key aspect of servant leadership is recognizing that each follower has value beyond what they bring to the table regarding output. A servant leader’s top priority is the development of their subordinates. Involving followers in decision-making, showing genuine interest in their ideas, providing them with professional growth opportunities, and providing feedback on their work are all examples of commitment.

Building Community. Leaders who put others before themselves are essential to any thriving community. A community consists of people who share common goals and values and feel connected to one another. Connecting with a group that shares their values allows followers to feel a sense of belonging. Leaders who put the needs of others before their own create communities in which members can feel accepted and valued while maintaining their unique identities.

Greenleaf’s definitive work on the servant as a leader can be summed up in these 10 traits of servant leadership. Thus, they offer a novel perspective from which to consider the nuances of servant leadership.