As the workforce becomes increasingly dispersed and much more work becomes project-based, old top-down leadership models become less effective for managing people and producing outcomes. The best model for success going forward is a servant leadership model.
What is servant leadership?
At its core, servant leadership is a leadership approach that prioritizes people rather than process or position. A servant leader is responsible for setting high-level strategies and goals. From there, they empower team members to take the lead. Servant leaders are humble enough to understand that they don’t know everything, and they know when to get out of the way and let their people excel.
The concept of servant leadership isn’t new; in fact, it’s been around for centuries. In the 1970s, Robert Greenleaf articulated the characteristics of servant leadership for a new era. One could argue that servant leadership has always been the best method of managing people, but a top-down approach has been the default for much of the industrial and knowledge age.
While a top-down approach can certainly be practical in some settings, it has disadvantages. For one thing, a top-down approach is typically more prevalent among leaders who might be more focused on what leadership can do for them rather than how they can empower their people. Additionally, in a top-down model, a leader usually has direct oversight of reports—a system that is increasingly difficult to manage as the workforce becomes more dispersed.
It’s one thing to talk about a servant leadership philosophy, though, and another thing to demonstrate it in daily actions.
8 behaviors you can emulate to become a better servant leader
1. Let direct reports set their own goals
Part of empowering people is giving them room to establish their own metrics for success and growth. As work becomes more project-based, leaders may not have as much direct interaction with individual team members. Giving people the chance to set their own goals communicates trust without sacrificing accountability.
2. Prioritize wellness among team members
Workers are increasingly reporting feeling burned out and overwhelmed. Be a servant leader by giving your team members explicit permission to pursue physical, mental, and social health.
3. Champion Your Team to Others
Be your team’s biggest champion to others in the organization. Servant leaders cheer both group and individual wins, and share credit where it’s due.
4. Don’t Micromanage
Micromanaging has never been a good strategy for producing results, but it’s becoming more irrelevant as time goes by. Especially in a hybrid world, it’s becoming less and less feasible to watch every move your team members make. Step back and let people manage their workloads and processes.
5. Maintain High Standards of Personal Integrity
Servant leaders are at their best when they espouse and maintain high standards of personal integrity. To become a servant leader, always act in ways that demonstrate your commitment to both individual and company values.
6. Listen
Servant leaders consider feedback and listen to discussion carefully before responding. Ask questions that lead to deeper discussion, and then be silent while others speak. When direct reports come to you with challenges, obstacles, or suggestions, listen carefully and with full attention.
7. Create Purpose
People need to feel aligned with something bigger than their daily tasks. They need to feel like they’re contributing to an overall goal or vision. As a servant leader, you can help by creating a purpose for your team that aligns with the company’s vision and goals. Give your people a bigger mission, and pursue that purpose yourself.
8. Encourage Career Development Among Direct Reports
By empowering team members to pursue their career development and growth, you encourage employee retention and develop people for the long-term good of your organization. Actively encouraging career development among your people is a crucial characteristic of servant leaders. You are pursuing the best course for both the organization and your team members and not for yourself.
The Stewart Leadership LEAD NOW! model can help you grow into a genuine servant leader. To learn more, contact us.