“Serving others prepares you to lead others.” Jim George
There is a crisis of leadership: an example is given in a study made by the Davos Economic Forum in which 86% of respondents said the world lacks the leaders needed to tackle today’s challenges.
Leadership is not just about instilling authority and respect but about serving others – encouraging, motivating, listening and guiding. It’s called Servant Leadership.
Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve others. Rather than managing for results, a servant leader focuses on creating an environment in which their team can thrive and get their highest-impact work done. This approach prioritizes the well-being and development of employees, team members, or followers, rather than focusing solely on the leader’s own success or organizational goals. The concept emphasizes that leaders exist to support and empower their team, and their primary objective is to ensure that the needs of others are met. Servant leadership is a leadership approach that puts serving others above all other priorities.
Leaders provide direction and vision, motivate and inspire others, and help create an environment conducive to success by promoting communication and collaboration among team members. In short, leadership and strong management are essential for any organization that wants to achieve its objectives.
A combination of powerful and synergistic elements defines the 10 main characteristics of servant leadership:
- Listening
- Empathy
- Caring for others
- Self-knowledge
- Persuasiveness
- Ambition (big dreams)
- A profound analysis of problems and solutions
- Trust in others
- Commitment to the development of the team
- Community building
Questions you can ask to ensure your teams’ needs are being met:
- Are you satisfied with the current responsibilities of your role?
- Is there any aspect of your work that you find particularly fulfilling or frustrating?
- Do you feel engaged and motivated at work? If not, what changes could help?
- Do you feel you have the resources and opportunities for growth and career advance
- Do you have everything you need to do your job effectively (tools, technology, information)?
- Are there any obstacles or barriers preventing you from being successful in your role?
- How can I or the team better support you in your daily tasks?
- Is there any training or mentorship that would help you reach your goals?
- How are you managing your workload? Is there anything affecting your work-life balance?
- Do you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, ideas, or concerns with me or other team members?
- How do you feel about the dynamics within the team? Are there any areas of tension or improvement needed?
- Do you feel valued and included in team decisions and discussions?
- Do you feel recognized for your contributions to the team?
- Do you feel you have the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership of your work?
- Is there more or less responsibility you’d like to take on?
The term “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in his 1970 essay The Servant as Leader, and the philosophy has since been adopted by many organizations as a more humane and ethical approach to leadership. It contrasts with more traditional top-down leadership models by focusing on empowerment rather than command and control.
We offer one-on-one executive and corporate team coaching to provide solutions and necessary skills to manage high performing teams, reawaken a passion in their position, develop their leadership skills, and learn how to balance personal and professional lives.
About Audrey A. Simmons MBA, MS, BSN, RN, PMH-BC – Audrey Simmons is an award-winning educator and leadership coach who values service, excellence and connection. Delivering thought-provoking presentations, Audrey is able to connect with audiences, inviting them to reconsider their perspectives and strategies. Audrey is a leadership coach, who works with entrepreneurs and leaders to leverage their focus and prioritize what matters most at work and in life.
