What if We Viewed Leadership as a Service?
If we pause and think about our favorite leaders we’ve ever experienced, from our most inspirational coaches, our most enlightening teachers, and our most motivating managers, they all have one thing in common.
They served us.
Leadership is about putting other people first, serving them in as many ways as possible, ultimately inspiring them to become their very best.
What’s the impact of making sure others feel welcome on your team and in their role?
- They relax and begin to feel safe, which allows them to be themselves.
- They begin to have an open mind, which sparks their creativity for new, fresh ideas.
- They have less anxiety and fear, fewer doubts, and more energy, passion, and commitment.
- They begin to enjoy their experience, which makes them more loyal.
Robert Greenleaf first coined the phrase and concept of servant leadership in his 1970 essay, appropriately titled, The Servant. It’s the idea of putting others first, ahead of your own agenda, needs, and even your own desires.
Servant Leadership is when leaders – titled or untitled – serve others.
Here are four different categories representing all the ways a leader can serve one’s team. I like to use the acronym L.E.A.D.
- Listen
- Educate
- Take Action
- Deliver
