“Good leaders must first become good servants.” Robert K. Greenleaf

45 years ago, the phrase “Servant Leadership” was used by Robert Greenleaf. Since then there have been a number of business books written about this style of leadership and what it means.  The topic of leadership is always a hot one. We’re all looking for better answers.  Although servant leadership isn’t always specifically referenced in business writing, most successful leaders practice it to some degree.

Servant Leadership at its core is simply the desire for the leader to serve first.   In traditional leadership, we think of the pyramid with the leader positioned above, directing all of those below.  Servant leaders flip the hierarchy and put the needs of those on their team above their own personal needs.  They don’t view their leadership position as one that is more significant than any other role in the organization, but rather a position that is required for the whole to succeed.  When success is achieved, they are quick to share the success with words like “we” and “our”.   Their business model is more likely to include profit sharing and other incentives and a focus on giving back to their communities.

I like the story about a group of soldiers who were trying to raise a heavy beam into position during a battle.  Their superior, a Corporal, was yelling words of encouragement but to no avail; the soldiers did not have enough manpower to lift it into place.   Another man showed up on a horse and asked why the Corporal just didn’t jump in and try to help and he explained because he was a Corporal.   With that the man dismounted his horse and helped the soldiers complete the task.  He remounted his horse and told the Corporal “If you should need help again, call on George Washington, your Commander-In-Chief, and I will come.”

If you want to be a great leader, mastering the skill of being a servant leader will be part of your journey.   If you own your business – serve as you lead.

What is your leadership style?  Do you jump in the trenches and work beside your team?

We can help you become the leader you want to be!