Linked & Lift Issue #15: Leadership Revolution: Why Serving Beats Commanding
[Reading Time: 4 mins]
A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better. – Jim Rohn
It took me years to realise….
The essence of true leadership lies not in exerting control but in the power of empowering others.
It’s about giving them the autonomy to make decisions.
It’s not about commanding; it's about serving.
Welcome to the world of servant leadership.
A philosophy reshaping our approach to leadership in the modern era.
Definition and Origins
Robert K. Greenleaf first coined the phrase "servant leadership" in 1970. This approach places service at the heart of leadership. It's about flipping the traditional hierarchy on its head and putting the needs of others first.
I created this infographic where the traditional and servant leadership models can be seen side by side. Click it for a high-res PDF version.
Key Traits and values.
At its core, servant leadership is built on:
→ Servanthood: Elevating the team's needs above one's own.
→ Empathy: Building trust through understanding and compassion.
→ Stewardship: Committing to the long-term health and growth of both the team and the organisation.
What sets servant leaders apart?
Their unique blend of traits:
⇥ They listen intently, valuing the insights and opinions of their team.
⇥ They empower others, providing the tools and support necessary for success.
⇥ They practise humility, openly acknowledging their mistakes and learning from them.
Examples of Successful Servant Leaders:
They're figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr.
They led with compassion, resilience, and justice, inspiring change through service.
So, how can we embody this leadership style?
Here are 4 steps we can take:
→ Create an open environment:
Cultivate a space where every voice is heard and valued.
→ Lead by example:
Your actions set the tone for the team's behaviour and values.
→ Encourage growth:
Make the personal and professional development of your team a priority.
→ Embrace humility:
Own your mistakes, seek out feedback, and learn continuously.
Diving Deeper
Eager to explore this topic further?
→ Robert K. Greenleaf 1970 essay on "servant leadership": The servant as Leader: https://www.greenleaf.org/products-page/the-servant-as-leader/
→ An article on Servant Leadership: https://www.mindtools.com/ad648ub/servant-leadership
→ Ted Talk: Servant leadership : How to lead with the heart ? by Liz Theophille
Servant leadership is more than a philosophy.
It's an approach that reshapes organisations and enriches lives.
It’s more than a leadership style.
It's a way of behaving that you adopt over the longer term.
By adopting a servant-first mindset, we can foster a culture of collaboration, empathy, and mutual growth.
Until next time,
Veronique.
P.S. Many of you have asked me about my infographics. Reply to this email newsletter to find out how they can be created for you. You can also DM me on LinkedIn.
P.P.S. Sending a warm welcome to everyone who joined The Linked And Lift community since last week! Check the welcome email I sent you to find out how you can download, for free, all 30+ high-res PDF versions of my infographics.