Servant leadership! Does it even exist in today’s world? Think about the last time you encountered a leader. Did they inspire you with a vision for the future? Or did their actions seem mostly motivated by their own advancement? In today’s fast-paced world, the traditional image of a leader often seems like one who expects to be served. Their needs and ambitions take center stage. This perception fosters a culture where leadership and service are seen as two distinct and even opposing forces. Yet, there exists a powerful and refreshing option: servant leadership. One of the ways of becoming a great leader is by genuinely serving others. It is through serving others that you get to understand how well you can lead them. None servant leaderships styles work from assumption or theories.
The Problem with “Me-First” Leadership: A Culture of Self-Interest
In many contemporary leadership cultures, the prevailing attitude often treats leadership as a position to be served rather than an opportunity to serve. This mindset prioritizes personal ambition, recognition, and the leader’s own career trajectory. This “leader-first” approach contrasts sharply with the principles of servant leadership, where the focus shifts from the leader’s needs to the needs and growth of those they are leading. This traditional model often measures success through personal and professional goal achievement, sometimes or most of the times at the expense of those you are leading.
This environment cultivates a range of characteristics in self-seeking leaders. These kinds of leaders may exhibit behaviors such as being argumentative, frequently absent or not fully present in interactions, and quick to become defensive. They might engage in boasting about their accomplishments, display rudeness towards others, and foster a competitive atmosphere, sometimes even competing with those they are leading. Feelings of jealousy towards the success of others and an inflated ego are also common traits. This self-serving orientation can manifest as being overly concerned with personal results, focusing on superficial achievements rather than in-depth development, and using people as tools to achieve personal goals. Such leaders often readily take credit for successes while struggling to admit their own faults. A lack of transparency, manipulative behavior aimed at personal gain, a short-term focus on immediate benefits, and limited empathy for others further define this leadership style.
I don’t know about you, but as I was writing down these thoughts, I have paused for a moment to reflect on myself and asked myself some serious question. Have exhibited these traits, have been self-seeking in my leadership or have stepped on people for my personal gains? As a leader I yearn to become better and if you are reading this and I have ever led you, please let me know in the comments what kind of a leader I am or I was. This is not an affirmation process but rather a journey of becoming better.
The Servant Leadership Paradigm Shift: Leading by Lifting Others
Servant leadership offers a fundamentally different approach, one where the primary focus of the leader is to serve others. This model places the needs, aspirations, and interests of followers above those of the leader. The core principle is to create an environment in which those you are leading can thrive and achieve its highest potential. Jesus, the greatest servant leader models this for us. His acts of washing His disciples’ feet as well as teaching them no only to become better but also assuring them that they are capable of doing far greater things than those they have seen Him do.
A servant leader sees leadership as an opportunity to serve, prioritizing the development and empowerment of those they are leading.
Jesus: The Ultimate Model of Servant Leadership
Throughout history, many leaders have embodied the principles of servant leadership. However, Jesus Christ stands out as the ultimate model. His life and teachings exemplify a profound commitment to serving others, prioritizing their needs above his own.
Jesus consistently demonstrated service-centered leadership. A powerful example is his washing of the disciples’ feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. This act of humility, performed by their Lord and Teacher, powerfully illustrated his willingness to serve those he led. As Jesus himself stated in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. This declaration underscores the very purpose of his leadership: to serve others selflessly.
His leadership was also deeply people-centered. Jesus consistently showed compassion and care for individuals, particularly those marginalized by society. He healed the sick, touched the untouchable, and spent time with those others often ignored. The miraculous feeding of the 5,000 demonstrates his concern for people’s physical needs. His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well broke down social barriers and showed his care for even the least and the lost. To follow Jesus’ example as a servant leader requires a deep and genuine love for people, prioritizing their well-being above all else. Having the understanding that we are self-centered human being, I have to say that this is easily said than done but it doesn’t mean that it is not achievable in todays world.
Why Servant Leadership in a Work Space: The Benefits of Leading by Serving
Adopting a servant leadership style yields numerous positive outcomes for individuals, teams, and the entire organization. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of team members, servant leaders cultivate a more positive and effective work environment.
This approach fosters a positive work atmosphere characterized by openness, trust, and mutual respect. Employees feel more valued and supported, leading to increased morale and a greater sense of psychological safety. When leaders prioritize serving their teams, it creates an environment where individuals feel comfortable contributing their best work.
Servant leadership also significantly increases motivation and productivity. By empowering employees, giving them autonomy and ownership over their work, and investing in their development, leaders tap into their intrinsic drive and unlock higher levels of performance. Satisfied employees are more likely to be engaged and dedicated to the success of the organization.
Improved collaboration and trust are also hallmarks of servant leadership. The collaborative and transparent nature of this leadership style fosters stronger interpersonal connections and a sense of shared responsibility among team members. When leaders prioritize the team’s needs and involve them in decision-making processes, it naturally builds a culture of trust.
Furthermore, servant leadership encourages greater innovation and creativity. When employees feel valued, supported, and safe to express their opinions and take calculated risks without fear of judgment, they are more likely to think outside the box and contribute new and innovative ideas.
At the organizational level, servant leadership leads to higher employee retention and lower turnover rates. When employees feel genuinely cared for and invested in, they develop a stronger sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with employee turnover. This approach also contributes to a more positive organizational culture where employees feel supported, inspired, and motivated to perform at their best. Ultimately, by prioritizing the long-term well-being and development of their people, organizations that embrace servant leadership build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.
Making the Shift: Embracing Servant Leadership in Your Life
The journey towards becoming a servant leader involves a conscious effort to shift one’s mindset and adopt specific behaviors. It begins with a commitment to listening actively to your team members, truly understanding their perspectives, needs, and concerns. Truly speaking, this shift cannot be done at the click of a button but rather requires patience.
Cultivating empathy or genuine care is also essential, requiring you to connect with your team on a personal level and appreciate their feelings and experiences. Creating a supportive environment that focuses on healing and well-being is another crucial step. Developing awareness, both of yourself and your team, will enable you to lead more effectively and ethically. Practice persuasion rather than relying on authority to guide and influence your team. Inspiring a shared vision and helping your team understand the purpose behind their work will foster greater engagement. Empowering others by creating a safe space for growth and shared ownership is fundamental to servant leadership. I have to say that we should strive to serve with humility, recognizing that true leadership is about supporting and lifting others.
Share your thoughts and experiences with servant leadership in the comments below.
