By Nancy Padberg, MBA, President and CEO
Servant leadership isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a choice that redefines what leadership should feel like. It’s about prioritizing your associates first. Servant leadership shifts the focus from the traditional leadership model—where the leader’s primary goal is to accumulate power and control—to one where the leader prioritizes the needs of their team, community, and organization. This approach builds a healthy workplace culture through collaboration, trust, and empowerment.
Here’s how to embody the principles of servant leadership to improve your company culture from the top down.
1. Practice Empathy
Empathy is a cornerstone of servant leadership. Servant leaders try to engage in conversations that allow team members to share their thoughts and experiences openly. By validating your associate’s emotions and showing compassion, you develop an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
Take time for those moments. When you lean into empathy, you create an environment where everyone feels understood and valued.
2. Create Space for Collaboration
Servant leaders cultivate a collaborative atmosphere, creating a space for creative solutions, new ideas, problem-solving, and teamwork. You can encourage teamwork amongst your team by promoting open communication and collective problem-solving. I like facilitating brainstorming sessions to create opportunities for team members to collaborate on projects. This opens up the conversation to new perspectives and ideas.
I love ideation sessions. You never know where a great idea will come from. Associates on the front line have much information to share about their customer conversations and observations. I like to call these sessions when all the associates are together and someone with a computer captures the ideas. There is a level of engagement and belonging that happens during this process. All ideas are good ideas at the time, so let associates build on them. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the least expected places, and I’m always amazed by how much we can learn from each other when we work together.
3. Develop Others
I like to call my team “the Dream Team”. I believe they earned this title because they know how to rise to the occasion and go the extra mile. A business is only as strong as its team, and an organization’s most important asset is its people. This is why investing in the growth and development of your team members is invaluable. Look for opportunities to provide additional training, mentorship, and skill-building or encourage individuals to take on new challenges and expand their capabilities. By encouraging professional development and continuous learning, you enhance your team’s skills and prepare future leaders. Rather than constantly searching for new talent, investing in the incredible individuals we already have is far more effective. By nurturing their growth and harnessing their unique skills, we strengthen our organization and foster a culture of loyalty and commitment that benefits everyone.
4. Lead by Example
A servant leader’s actions must reflect their values. Your team always observes how you conduct yourself, both on good and challenging days. Choosing to be a servant leader is challenging but rewarding. To lead by example, you must model the behaviors and attitudes you expect and want to see in your team. Whether it’s showing humility, accountability, or a strong work ethic, embody these traits consistently. Your team is consciously or subconsciously looking to you to set the tone. Leading by example inspires others to adopt similar values and behaviors, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the organization.
5. Be Transparent and Honest
Transparency is vital in fostering trust. Share information openly, communicate decisions clearly, and involve team members in discussions about changes that affect them. When team members feel informed and included, they are more likely to be engaged and supportive of leadership decisions. Being open does not mean you must have all the answers; it shows you are willing to share your process, and this honesty earns their trust.
Becoming a servant leader is a journey. It requires dedication, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to uplift others. By prioritizing your team’s needs, advocating for collaboration, and leading by example, you can create a healthy culture where your team feels empowered to contribute their best. Embrace the principles of servant leadership, and you’ll enhance your effectiveness as a leader who spreads throughout your organization.
