Learn how to apply servant leadership principles to your work environment and foster a culture of trust, collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility.

The key to servant leadership, in my view, is recognition that each single human has a source of potential. When we identify, verify and focus on nurturing this potential, the only thing a leader should do is create conditions for the fastest and greatest scale of potential unraveling. In this way a leader serves organization’s potential unlock: - giving freedom and supporting people to get jobs and tasks utilizing talents the best way - creating conditions for collaboration - offering opportunities for growth and development - showing good examples and explaining what’s good and not so good - coaching and mentoring This os not comprehensive list, there are many ways a leader can support organization’s thrive.

How can servant leadership create a more sustainable future for your organization?

Servant leadership is a philosophy and practice that puts the needs, interests, and goals of others first. It is based on the idea that leaders are servants who empower, inspire, and develop their followers, rather than exerting authority, control, or domination. Servant leadership can create a more sustainable future for your organization by fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility. Here are some ways you can apply servant leadership principles to your work environment and achieve positive outcomes.

1 Listen actively

One of the core competencies of servant leadership is listening actively to your team members, customers, stakeholders, and community. Listening actively means paying attention, asking questions, showing empathy, and seeking feedback. By listening actively, you can understand the needs, expectations, and challenges of others, and respond effectively and appropriately. Listening actively also builds trust and respect, which are essential for creating a loyal and engaged workforce and customer base.

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2 Empower others

Another key aspect of servant leadership is empowering others to grow, learn, and contribute. Empowering others means delegating tasks, providing resources, offering guidance, and supporting autonomy. By empowering others, you can tap into their potential, creativity, and skills, and enable them to achieve their goals and solve problems. Empowering others also increases motivation, satisfaction, and retention, which are vital for maintaining a high-performance and adaptable organization.

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Sue Watson ICF PCC

Executive Leadership Coach; Career Transition Specialist; Management Consultant; Change Manager
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I recall Jan Carlsson, CEO SAS Airlines. He took over the ailing company & ensured that front line, customer-facing employees were empowered to make decisions without the need to escalate. This was one of the key contributors to impact the bottom line postively.

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3 Serve a purpose

A third element of servant leadership is serving a purpose that transcends self-interest and aligns with the common good. Serving a purpose means articulating a clear and compelling vision, mission, and values, and demonstrating how they relate to the work and impact of your organization. By serving a purpose, you can inspire others to join you in pursuing a meaningful and positive change in the world, and foster a sense of belonging and commitment. Serving a purpose also enhances your reputation, credibility, and influence, which are crucial for attracting and retaining talent and customers.

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4 Model the way

A fourth characteristic of servant leadership is modeling the way by exemplifying the behaviors, attitudes, and standards you expect from others. Modeling the way means leading by example, acting with integrity, showing humility, and admitting mistakes. By modeling the way, you can set a positive tone, create a culture of accountability and excellence, and influence others to follow your lead. Modeling the way also establishes your credibility, authority, and respect, which are important for building and maintaining relationships and partnerships.

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Sue Watson ICF PCC

Executive Leadership Coach; Career Transition Specialist; Management Consultant; Change Manager
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I have experienced leaders who have done the opposite. This created unhealthy working environments where employees either mimicked the same behaviours or voted with their feet. What a draining & stressful way to work. Thankfully, I have also experienced amazing leaders who espoused a vision & created an environment of trust, respect & encouragement to achieve that vision. I know I thrived during these times, as did my colleagues, our clients & ultimately, the organisation.

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5 Care for others

A fifth quality of servant leadership is caring for others by showing genuine concern, appreciation, and support for their well-being and success. Caring for others means acknowledging their contributions, celebrating their achievements, recognizing their strengths, and addressing their challenges. By caring for others, you can create a culture of compassion, gratitude, and recognition, and foster a strong bond and loyalty among your team members and customers. Caring for others also improves your emotional intelligence, communication, and feedback skills, which are essential for managing and leading effectively.

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Anastasia Larsson

HR Business Partner @ Entercard Group AB | Connecting Strategy, People and Results
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When it comes to servant leadership, I would also like to add "care for the growth of others". It's not only about showing empathy, but also helping people around you rise. This is the essense of great leadership in general. Challenging and helping people grow and develop will create a more engaged workforce, and at the end contribute to organizational growth and sustainable future.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Mikhail Lvovskii

Transformation Consultant | Helping New Executives Build High-Performing Organizations Without Employee Resistance
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The key to servant leadership, in my view, is recognition that each single human has a source of potential. When we identify, verify and focus on nurturing this potential, the only thing a leader should do is create conditions for the fastest and greatest scale of potential unraveling. In this way a leader serves organization’s potential unlock: - giving freedom and supporting people to get jobs and tasks utilizing talents the best way - creating conditions for collaboration - offering opportunities for growth and development - showing good examples and explaining what’s good and not so good - coaching and mentoring This os not comprehensive list, there are many ways a leader can support organization’s thrive.

Like

How can servant leadership create a more sustainable future for your organization?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Listen actively

2 Empower others

3 Serve a purpose

4 Model the way

5 Care for others

6 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

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How can servant leadership create a more sustainable future for your organization?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Listen actively

2 Empower others

3 Serve a purpose

4 Model the way

5 Care for others

6 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

Rate this article

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