Being a leader at work in any capacity is a big deal and you want to make sure you’re executing your duties the right way. To this end, the philosophy of servant leadership is a great way to approach things.
What is servant leadership? Here are 3 elements for you.
Empathy
Empathy is crucial in servant leadership because it means you can understand and connect with your team members on a deeper level.
You want to make a point to actively listen to what your team members are saying without interrupting or judging. Acknowledge and validate their emotions and perspectives. And take a moment to consider situations from your team members’ perspective. Think about their backgrounds, experiences, and individual circumstances
Picture a team leader, Sarah, who notices that one of her team members, John, seems disengaged during meetings. Instead of assuming John isn’t interested, Sarah decides to have a one-on-one chat with him. Through active listening, Sarah discovers that John is dealing with a personal challenge – he can’t find a cherished vintage gold pendant necklace -, which is affecting his focus at work. Sarah empathizes with John’s situation and works with him to find solutions.
Empowerment
Empowerment is a big deal in servant leadership because it means you’re giving individuals the chance to reach their full potential, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility, and encouraging innovation and creativity within your team or organization.
Primarily, you want to delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members, giving them the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. And of course offer the necessary resources, tools, and support to help individuals succeed in their roles. This might include training, mentorship, and access to information.
Think of a project manager, Alex, who wants to empower his team to take charge of a new project. Instead of micromanaging every detail, Alex delegates tasks to individual team members based on their strengths and expertise. He gives them the resources and support they need, like access to relevant data and guidance from experienced colleagues.
Service
Service is at the heart of servant leadership because it means you’re putting the well-being and success of others above personal gain or recognition.
You want to set the tone for service by modeling behaviors such as humility, integrity, and a commitment to the greater good as well as recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of your team members, showing appreciation and gratitude for their efforts.
Imagine a CEO, Emily, who embodies a servant leadership mindset within her organization. Emily regularly interacts with employees at all levels, listening to their feedback and addressing their concerns. When the company achieves a significant milestone, Emily publicly acknowledges the contributions of individual employees and teams, highlighting their efforts and dedication.
Really, servant leadership can be a rewarding approach to leadership if you follow the key elements closely. Why not start with these tips?
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