Servant Leadership

Hope everyone is having a safe, reflective, and hopefully, an enjoyable summer during these chaotic times.   It is always an amazing privilege to be a servant leader, whether we are enduring challenging times or prosperous times.   Why?  Because it is the right thing to do for those whom you lead.     More than ever, servant leadership is critical to support those who have entrusted you with their working lives along with being a HUGE boost for morale and results for your area of responsibility.

Servant leadership has been the "buzz" for many years.    So, why has this not been more fully adopted by leaders?   Mostly because unless you make the effort and take the time to know your employees better regarding their needs and requirements to be successful, then servant leadership is not genuine.    John V Bednar, a retired educator and school principal followed the mantra that "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care about them."    Shows you can be the smartest person in your profession, but if you do not show genuine concern and/or compassion for those you lead, then results will never achieve what is expected.

First, as I stated earlier, it takes extra time and effort to show you care about those you lead.   This must be genuine and consistent.    You must do more than say "hey, how is your day going?"    What do you think they are going to say to their boss when they ask you this question if they do not think you are sincere about caring for their day???    You need to ask the question, “ is there anything you need to help you provide better service, be more productive, or find more enjoyment and fulfillment in your job?”    Please be prepared to follow through on the employee's request, whether you can or cannot honor it.    Providing a no answer is 100% better than no answer at all, if "yes" is not possible or realistic..

Just as important and arguably more so, servant leadership involves getting to know your employees on a personal level.   This does not mean prying into someone's personal or family life.   What it does mean is to acknowledge events occurring in their lives that are public, such as a child who is ill, death of a family member, a child's academic or athletic achievement, a work accomplishment, etc.   Asking about any of these situations will bring an immediate smile and joy because you showed how much you care.  Isn't that what being a servant is about?

Employee recognition is integral to servant leadership.    There are many examples including hand written thank you notes, looking people in the eye with the truth, early out Fridays including movies or group outings, regular employee recognition events, eating lunch or breakfast with your employees, attending community events that your employees participate in, and finding ways to "laugh" and enjoy life with your team.  

Take time to connect someone with a moment and always remember, it is always about him or her, and not about you.  More to come next week on some amazing examples of servant leadership.

I wanted everyone to know that I started writing my book on "Love and Compassion for Successful Leaders - Why Not You?"  Servant leadership is one of 9 core values for a loving and compassionate leader.    I interviewed over 25 leaders for my book and they provided outstanding information!  More to come as I move towards publishing by the end of 2020.

Have a blessed and safe week.