12 Ways Servant Leaders Serve Others so Others are Free to Serve Others
Servant-leadership turns reciprocity outward.
Reciprocity represents a shrinking circle of mutual benefit. “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.”
Servant leaders serve others so others are free to serve others.
The normal rules of reciprocity aren’t primary in servant-leadership.
Seek the best interest of others so they are free to serve the best interest of others.
Self-serving leaders are surrounded by self-protective teams.
12 ways to serve others so others serve others:
- Make it safe to serve. Watch people’s backs so they are free to give themselves in service to others.
- Adopt an outward mindset.
- Take the perspective of others before making decisions.
- Make life better for others.
- Remove roadblocks. Don’t create them.
- Expect teammates to fully serve organizational mission and vision. Servant-leadership isn’t doormat-leadership.
- Respect your impact on others. Self-absorbed leaders see everything as it impacts them.
- Laugh at yourself. Don’t take things personally.
- Commit to courageously ‘not know’. Growth and learning include not knowing.
- Make it easy for others to bring their best selves to work.
- Protect others so they don’t have to protect themselves.
- Let people know they’re supported. It doesn’t matter if you serve customers first or employees first, as long as employees feel supported.
- Express interest in the potential and future of everyone on the team.
- Develop, don’t fix.
- Be rigid with values and kind during interactions.
- Practice vulnerability by letting others know the impact of their performance on you. Leave a bit of yourself in conversations with others.
- Be grateful when others express gratitude to you.
- Relax. Stay curious about people.
- Understand the difference between exploring options, offering advice, and advocating for a position.
Which items on the list seem most useful to you?
How might leaders serve others so others can serve others?
Dan, I love “Develop, don’t fix.” It really shifts your paradigm around how you get to the desired end result.
Thanks bhall…It’s great that you see the difference. One feels like an engagement between equals. The other feels more like superior to inferior. Cheers
Combining a good sense of yourself, including being able to laugh at yourself, and consistently staying aware of the impact your words and actions on others, is a winning combination. Trying to present yourself as a “perfect” leader never builds long-term relationships. As a leader, being your authentic self goes a long way towards helping others recognize their authentic selves and getting them connected to their strengths.
Great post,
I believe in the servant approach and have seen it drive growth. For doubters who feel this approach is weak and will not help your team achieve results I can attest the opposite is true. When you serve your team, coach them, set them up to win they bring you their challenges and stop hiding them. You have meaningful discussions about things that matter.
Thanks Mark. At face value the principles of servant leadership might seem unproductive. Perhaps we should acknowledge that context matters. Directive leadership is effective in a crisis. It’s fascinating that a servant leader might employ several leadership strategies in service to their constituents. Cheers
Another great post, Dan. One challenge I would highlight:
Well-intended servant leaders often protect their people, as you suggest. Yet, if our people are too sheltered, they don’t develop the skills to protect themselves and their own teams from other, more toxic leaders. It’s a tough line to walk, don’t you think?
Great reminders about Servant Leadership! The one that spoke to me the most is #12; it’s easy to jump to criticism and advice-giving rather than determining when people are still brainstorming/seeking.
Good article. My favorite: Expect teammates to fully serve organizational mission and vision. Servant-leadership isn’t doormat-leadership. supporting your team’s focus on the goals is key in leadership!
Hi Dan.
I know I’m a few days late to the party on this one, but I’ve just got to say how much I value this post. An organization with this type of servant leadership is an amazing place to serve. I’m blessed to be in such a one, and wouldn’t swap that for anything. It is so empowering, while also highly fulfilling, to know you are free to serve the needs of others with complete confidence that others on your team have your back without reservation.