We have all seen managers who think the best way to supervise is through intimidation, control and micromanagement. They believe they need to use threats, coercion and bullying techniques to make sure their employees do what needs to be done. A recent article on HBR Blog Network, The Best Leaders Are Humble Leaders, reminds us that if we want to create an environment where team members feel included, go above and beyond, and engage in positive interactions, then managers need to show the following types of behaviors:
- Acts of humility
- Empowering followers to learn and develop
- Acts of courage
- Holding staff members responsible for results
There are a number of guiding principles when acting in a servant-leader role. Based on my own experience as both a manager and an employee, here are some key qualities I feel are essential to succeeding as a servant-leader:
- Empathy
- Flexibility
- Helpfulness
- Humbleness
- Acting as a mentor
- Open-mindedness
- Trusting
- Awareness
- Communicative
- Being a team player
Robert K. Greenleaf, the founder of servant leadership, had a number of wonderful quotes that demonstrate the process and benefit of this management style:
- “Good leaders must first become good servants.”
- “Servant leaders know that ‘my success comes from your success.'”
- “Where there is not community, trust, respect, ethical behavior are difficult for the young to learn and for the old to maintain.”
- “The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant – first to make sure that other people’s needs are being served.”
What are your thoughts? Do you have other suggestions or personal stories? Please feel free to ask questions or share your experiences below.
Suggested Resources:
- Robert K Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership
- Inclusive Leadership: The View From Six Countries
- The Best Leaders Are Humble Leaders
- Leadersdirect Self-Reflection Exercise
Jeremy S. joined Empathia in 2007 as Manager, Client Care Services and currently serves as Account Manager/Sales Consultant. He is also a certified wellness and tobacco cessation coach. Jeremy has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Organizational Development. Prior to joining Empathia, he spent 14 years in the EAP industry in a variety of managerial/leadership roles at another behavioral healthcare organization. Jeremy enjoys reading, photography, music and spending time with his wife and daughters.
