Servant Leadership: Why It's Good for Business and How to Practice It

Striving to be a good leader is a noteworthy ambition. Although different leadership styles exist, servant leadership stands out in many ways. 

A servant leader thinks of others first and puts others' growth and well-being ahead of their personal gain. If you practice this type of leadership, you might occasionally feel like a salmon swimming upstream. Honestly, it feels a bit counter-cultural. This type of leadership can also prove draining. Meeting others' needs is challenging, at best. But the benefits of servant leadership are worth the effort! 

What is Servant Leadership? 

In 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf, grandfather of servant leadership ideology, wrote a groundbreaking essay titled "The Servant as Leader." In this work, he states, "The servant-leader is servant first; it begins with a natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first, as opposed to wanting power, influence, fame, or wealth." 

Instead of building themselves up by wielding their authority, servant leaders empower others. They offer support, enabling others to do their jobs effectively. They use their positive influence, founded on trust, empathy, and collaboration, to lead others toward the goal. Servant leaders are visionary but understand their limitations. They acknowledge when they make mistakes, asking for feedback from those they lead. They regularly practice—

• Authenticity. 
• Humility. 
• Honesty. 
• Transparency. 
• Consistency. 
• Active listening. 

How is Servant Leadership Different? 

Servant leadership differs from traditional leadership in several ways. While " traditional " and servant leadership care about productivity, performance, and profits, servant leadership achieves these ends through serving others. Traditional leaders may be dynamic, charismatic, and influential, but they sometimes steamroll employees to get where they're going. 

For the servant leader, the growth and well-being of those they lead is a goal! They are self-assured and self-confident enough to lead without monopolizing power. Instead, they "share" the power, giving a voice to their employees. At the same time, they neither surrender authority nor allow anarchy. Rather than stressing over compliance, servant leaders help employees understand the why behind new policies and procedures. While other leadership styles take a "hands-off" approach, servant leadership is "hands-on." They keep communication channels open, offering consistent support. 

How Does Servant Leadership Benefit Business? 

At its core, servant leadership is all about relationships, which, in turn, are founded on trust. When employees trust and feel trusted by their leaders, they become productive and efficient. Additionally, servant leadership fosters a culture of positivity, mutual collaboration, and cohesiveness. In these environments, morale increases, and profit grows. 

Because servant leaders are also visionary, they sustain long-range success. They excel by making smart business choices, stewarding their assets, and creating a team of loyal, long-term employees.

How to Practice Servant Leadership 

Servant leadership has its challenges. It takes self-confidence and humility to be a good servant leader. It also takes grit because individually supporting your team members is draining. And it takes a mindset shift to relinquish control instead of retaining power. 

• Here are some tips for practicing servant leadership: 
• Be self-aware: know your weaknesses. 
• Build community with your team. 
• Practice empathy. 
• Engage in active listening. 
• Be a good communicator; use effective, transparent persuasion to influence others.
• Offer support: help others do their job well. 

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