How do I practice servant leadership?

Have you ever had a boss who pushed you to produce, to the point where you felt burnt out?

As a leader, have you ever wondered why your employees just won't comply?

Servant leadership might be the solution for both scenarios.

Through this kind of leadership, relationships between leaders and employees are built on trust, motivation, commitment, and recognition. Employees thrive and leaders are willing to serve their staff members, which allows for a better dynamic between boss and employee.

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

In servant leadership, leaders put their employees first and seek ways to develop their potential. Servant leadership differs from the traditional leadership model where leaders are in charge and hold all the power.

To be successful, the culture of the organization must be set up for servant leadership to thrive . Leaders must be willing to:

• serve their employees and set aside any selfish mindsets.

• ask questions of their employees to get to know them.

• think about ways they can develop their talent.

Successful servant leaders:

• Are willing to serve others.

• Have great listening skills.

• Ask questions to learn more.

• Have empathy.

• Know how to encourage others.

• Build trust.

• Have a vision for your organization.

Servant leadership helps to:

• Increase employee performance.

• Retain more employees.

• Promote organizational growth.

• Increase organizational performance.

• Increase organizational capacity.

• Grow leadership amongst employees.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Servant leadership can start from an employee's onboarding by asking them their thoughts and impressions on the process, which shows them that their voice matters.

Other ways you practice servant leadership are:

• Discovering stressors and seeking to remove any for your employees.

• Showing appreciation and recognition for your employees.

• Understanding employees as individuals and acknowledging big moments in their lives.

• Removing employees' obstacles.

Are you ready to practice servant leadership?