“The business of business is people. Yesterday, today, and forever. We decided that our internal customers, our employees, came first. The synergy in our opinion is simple: Honour, respect, care for, protect, and reward your employees regardless of title or position, and in turn they will treat each other and their external customers in a warm, caring, and hospitable way.” – Herb Kelleher. Co-Founder & CEO of Southwest Airlines
You’ve probably heard the phrase “servant leadership” thrown around a lot in the business world. But what does it really mean, and more importantly, how can it propel your business to new heights?
Servant leadership, as coined by Robert Greenleaf, is centred around serving others rather than wielding authority. At its core, servant leadership is a philosophy that puts the needs of others, your team, first. It’s about empowering, supporting, and nurturing the people who work for you, so they can grow, develop, and contribute their best to your business. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed, not just the person at the top. We often forget that while we pay employees to do their job, their best is volunteered.
Sounds simple right? But I’ve got to be honest, it’s not always easy to put this philosophy into practice, especially when you’re under pressure to deliver results and keep the wheels of your business turning. That’s why I’m going to break down the key principles of servant leadership and show you how to apply them in your own small business with real-world examples.
The Mindset Shift: From Boss to Servant Leader
The first step in becoming a servant leader is shifting your mindset from being the boss who calls the shots to being a leader who serves and supports your team. This requires letting go of your ego, embracing humility, and recognizing that your success as a business owner is directly tied to the success of your team. Instead of focusing on your own needs and desires, find out what your team needs and wants.
The Power of Empathy and Active Listening
A key aspect of servant leadership is developing empathy for your team members. This means understanding their feelings, motivations, and challenges, and using that knowledge to guide your actions and decisions. Practise active listening: give your full attention to your team members when they speak, ask open-ended questions, and refrain from interrupting or imposing your own opinions. By doing this, you’ll create stronger connections and foster an atmosphere of trust and respect.
The Importance of Building Trust and Fostering Collaboration
Trust is the foundation of servant leadership. To build trust, be open and transparent with your team, admit your mistakes, and follow through on your commitments. Encourage collaboration and teamwork by breaking down silos and fostering a culture of open communication. This will not only enhance your team’s performance but also create a more enjoyable work environment.
The Art of Coaching and Developing Your Team
As a servant leader, your role is to help your team members grow and reach their full potential. Invest in their professional development through internal and external coaching, courses, and providing opportunities for growth. Give regular, constructive feedback, and be willing to have difficult conversations when necessary. Invest in your team’s growth, and you’ll grow your business too.
The Secret to Empowering Decision-Making and Accountability
Empower your team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This means giving them the autonomy and authority to make choices within their areas of responsibility, while also holding them accountable for the outcomes. By doing this, you’ll create a culture of accountability and foster a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
This is an excerpt from ‘Servant Leadership: Empowering Your Team for Unstoppable Growth’ by Levels Growth Consultancy. Read the article in full here.
