What is Servant Leadership?
A leadership philosophy in which the main goal of the leader is to serve. A servant leader shares power, puts the needs of the employees first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. This type of leadership inverts the norm of people working to serve the leader to the leader working to serve the people.
Traits and Skills of a Servant Leader
Before continuing, write down what you know about Servant Leadership. Make a list of skills, traits, and behaviors that you believe are needed to be a Servant Leader.
Personality Traits
Self-awareness - Conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.
Humility - Humility is the ability to see and accept your own strengths and limitations without defensiveness or judgment. This type of self-acceptance emerges from grounding one’s worth in our intrinsic value as human beings rather than materialistic things. Instead, humble people place high value on more meaningful things that benefit others.
Integrity - The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Results-oriented - Describes a person's ability to recognize what results are important – and what steps need to be taken to achieve them.
Learn more about how to become more results oriented with this article
Servant Leadership Skills
Foresight - Ability to perceive future needs and how your choices will impact the team.
Excellent communicator - Ability to listen closely and develop an understanding of the needs of the people you serve.
"A true natural servant automatically responds to any problem by listening first." -Robert Greenleaf
Influence and persuasion - Use authority minimally while relying on your ability to be influential and persuasive.
Intellectual authority - Ability to understand and assess the needs of the moment.
Developing Team Dynamics
Lead in a collaborative manner that builds community and team spirit.
Trust and empower your team to get the work done.
Use a coaching approach to develop each team member's skills, confidence, and professionalism.
“The goal of many leaders is to get people to think more highly of the leader. The goal of a great leader is to help people to think more highly of themselves.” ― J. Carla Nortcutt
Manage team conflict or assist with healing damaged relationships to keep the environment productive and respectful.
How many can you check off?
Reflection
- How accurate were your predictions?
- Which skills, traits, or behaviors do you need to improve? What can you do to improve in these areas?
- What do you believe are the biggest benefits of implementing Servant Leadership?
- Do you know anyone who uses this leadership philosophy?
- How likely are you to become a Servant Leader?
Deep Dive
Learn more by completing the Servant Leadership Five Part Course presented by Young African Leaders Initiative.
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