“The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead.” – Robert K. Greenleaf
Some of the common leadership models are about leading from the top. The leader gives orders, and all others obey. The leader expects to be puffed up, and rarely if ever questioned. Those on the team are there to serve the leader.
That kind of style can work and in some cases even be necessary in situations such as the military since they face critical situations, and the exact instructions must be applied due to lives being at stake.
What this approach to leadership doesn’t help with, however, is promoting creativity, collaboration, and innovation. In such cases where this is necessary, particularly the technology and creative industries, there are different leadership techniques that can be applied.
One of my favorite leadership models is called Servant Leadership – this kind of leadership is the opposite of being above everyone, but is rather about taking upon oneself the stewardship of the team and its members.
This approach makes the environment in the workplace incredibly conducive for learning new things, exploring out-of-the-box ideas, and creating innovations that can help grow the business.
No matter what happens, your purpose as a servant leader is to be the wind beneath the wings of the people you lead and to inspire them to grow and develop appropriately.
You don’t need to have a formal management position to start applying this kind of leadership. All you need to do is to have the “How can I help?” mindset and attitude and to have a genuine concern towards the people you work with.
So I invite you to start today – no matter your title or position in your organization – to take a servant-leader approach to supporting those around you! You will likely find your respect, influence, and impact will increase!
See more in the video below!
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