The idea of servant leadership is a timeless concept that has been around for centuries. It, however, just has become prevalent in management in the last few decades, with more and more top executives and supervisors exploring the concept in their work. Becoming a servant leader is a great way to advance your career as it shows you can prioritize the organization and its team members, and it clearly demonstrates your desire to support and care for others. – A true leader is defined by such strengths.
Empowers the Team
A servant leader is driven by the desire to make sure that the needs of others are being met before their own needs. These types of leaders come to work thinking about what they can do for their team to help them be better, so they can provide the team with the necessary support to help them achieve their goals and expectations. By focusing on the wellbeing and development of your team members, providing the right resources, a productive work environment, and all the assets and information they need, they will become more empowered to succeed in their roles. Once your team is successful, you will be successful too!
Opportunity to Lead by Example
Servant leaders lead their team by example. A big part of their responsibility is leading their team with their own actions. Being the example of greater discipline and drive not only encourages those who follow to adopt a higher standard, but it also motivates you to play on a higher field. Furthermore, if your team knows that you are willing to do whatever you expect from them, they’ll likely do everything possible to help you achieve your goal. By choosing to lead by example, you will be seen as a better leader, capable of creating a sense of purpose and pushing people forward with credibility, inspiration, trust, and vision.
Inspires Team to Follow
The will to lead from the point of service has a significant effect on employee commitment to a supervisor. Your job is to serve the people who follow you. They persuade others with inspiration and aren’t concerned with using force or power to make team members act. By so doing, such a leader is followed willingly instead of forcefully. Such a leader will not have to worry about loyalty or poor customer service. As you can imagine, this creates a more inclusive work environment, has a positive impact on your work relationships, makes your team more successful, and boosts your career as well.
Improves Talent Retention
As opposed to traditional leadership, which focuses more on accumulating, hoarding and exercising power by the one at the top of the pyramid, servant leaders want to share power with their team and help them develop and perform as effectively as possible. They recognize that everyone has something unique to offer, and that builds confidence and contentment in people. They are humble and generous, giving credit where it’s due, as well as recognizing talents and rewarding them to show them that their contributions are valued. This can play a huge role in preventing valuable skills and knowledge from walking out the door, which is not only beneficial to the company but you as well.
Improves Decision Making
By asking questions, listening, thinking ahead, and considering every factor, servant leaders can anticipate the needs of the business and guide towards an outcome that places the company in the best position to achieve success. Everyone brings a unique perspective to the table, and when you’re open to listening to the talent around you, you can truly embrace every possibility and potential to achieve success.
Encourages Innovation
Studies have shown that servant leadership promotes employee innovation and creativity. Such a setting encourages individuals to do their best and take on new challenges. For some, team members are given opportunities to work on projects outside their scope, solve problems, etc. By believing in team members and giving them the opportunity to learn and grow, you might be surprised how much they can accomplish. With the freedom to get creative, your staff may not only enhance their contributions but also make yours better.
Having soft skills, in addition to the right job qualifications, is key to climbing the corporate ladder. As a servant leader, you’re setting the tone for the advancement of your career. It’s clear that by building strong inter-team relationships through servant leadership, you create a greater level of productivity, which greatly impacts the success of your team, your organization and yourself.
In view of all this, it’s important to keep in mind that being a good leader takes time. While some people are naturally inclined to be servant leaders, it’s really something anyone can learn and improve upon.
Are you looking for more tips for career growth? Etech has got you covered! To learn more about servant leadership and how this exemplary leadership style can help boost your career, check out our blog section.
