Servant Leadership
We have heard of different styles of leadership: authoritarian leadership, participatory leadership, delegative leadership, transactional leadership, and transformative leadership. More recently, servant leadership has become popular. However, regardless of your leadership style, there are basically two types of leaders: serving leaders and self-serving leaders. Self-serving leaders think of leadership only in terms of power and control. By contrast, serving leadership is leading at a higher level; leaders such as this make the world a better place.
What is Servant Leadership?
What exactly is servant leadership? This phrase came about in the 70s when Robert K. Greenleaf coined the term servant leadership in his essay titled “The Servant as Leader.” Mr. Greenleaf continued to expound on the servant leadership concept in his subsequent writings. He basically advocated, “serve first and lead second.” Not many of us heard of Robert Greenleaf, but most people have heard of Peter Drucker. In one of Robert Greenleaf’s publications, “On Becoming a Servant Leader,” Peter Drucker wrote the foreword.
Many books, papers, and blogs on the subject have now been published. Workshops, courses, and even degrees in servant leadership are also available. Many companies named to Fortune magazine’s annual listing of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For” espouse servant leadership and have integrated the concept into their corporate cultures. A few of these companies are Nordstrom, Southwest Airlines, Starbucks, Men’s Wearhouse, and Whole Foods.
When we talk about these organizations, we often think about how outstanding their customer service is. It isn’t coincidental. They are servant-led companies, so their servant-led employees want to make sure the customers are always cared for. These are good companies to work for because they view the employees as their internal customers; they are committed to serving the needs of their employees. They take care of their internal customers and (if not better than) their external paying customers. These are not just the best companies to work for, and they're also very high-performing companies—some of the most profitable and successful in the business world. The leaders at these organizations place a high value on relationships and results, and their goals are focused on the greater good. The “payoff” of servant leadership is outstanding customer service and high morale among employees.
Servant leadership happens when the leader’s main goal and responsibility is to serve their people and the community. Does it mean that the direct reports trample all over the leader? Is this soft or weak leadership? Good questions. Let’s come back to these questions toward the end of the blog. Meanwhile, let’s define leadership.
According to Forbes, “leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the effort of others, toward the achievement of a goal.” Leadership is about influencing others and about achieving a goal. It is essential for all leaders, including servant leaders, to establish a goal and then influence their people toward achieving it. Leadership is about going somewhere; it is not about wandering around aimlessly. If people don’t have a compelling vision to serve, they will only serve their self-interest. Once people are clear on where they are going, the servant leader’s role shifts to a serving mindset for implementation. Unfortunately, most organizations and leaders are relatively weak in the implementation phase of the leadership process.
In servant leadership, the leader ensures that the direct reports are growing in various areas – their profession, knowledge, skills, autonomy, and even their health and physical development. The essence of a servant leader’s position is to serve their people and the community. As for serving leaders, they seek to meet the needs of others even before meeting their own. Thus, there is a sacrifice on the part of the leader.
Why Servant Leadership?
Why servant leadership? It is highly effective. It works. Leadership is about influencing. When you extend yourself for others, they know that you have their interests at heart. They will be more likely to be responsive to your leading. Servant leadership is a significant motivational factor in influencing others effectively. On the other hand, if we adopt the “do it or else!” approach, we can only make our direct reports respond in the short term. There won’t be a long-term commitment.
It is also the right thing to do. A leader is responsible for their direct reports and the community as much as they are accountable to the investors. In our role as leaders, we have the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our direct reports. One Cherokee (American Indian Nation) proverb says, “When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries, and you rejoice.”
Servant leadership is essential in schools, especially international schools. One of the main goals of international school education is to develop students into becoming global citizens, making a difference in the lives of people they encounter and in the community. Servant leadership provides an excellent example for our students to emulate.
Let’s return to the earlier two questions about servant leadership. Does it mean that the direct reports trample all over the leader? Is this soft or weak leadership?
To keep quiet or to ignore mistakes is NOT servant leadership. Pretending mistakes didn’t happen or not dealing with things as they arise would not be leading with integrity. Such behavior is NOT being responsible to their community and their direct reports. On the contrary, we must practice assertive behavior with others, not passive doormat behavior or aggressive behavior that violates the right of others. Assertive behavior is being open, honest, and direct with others but is always done respectfully. If we don’t hold our direct reports to the task at hand, we are dishonest. Liars are people who pretend that everything is fine with their people when things are not going well.
Servant leadership is more of a lifestyle than a technique or a skill. It is the way how we view and practice leadership. Hence, the emphasis of servant leadership is on the characteristics of the individual. These character traits include, but are not limited to, patience, kindness, humility, selflessness, honesty, and commitment. These character habits must be cultivated and nurtured if we are to become successful leaders who will stand the test of time. Having said this, however, there are various skills that the leader can seek to develop as they aspire to be a servant leader. These skills include being a good listener, having empathy, persuading without being forceful, building a community, etc.
In conclusion, servant leadership is the best way to guarantee great relationships and results.
To learn more about servant leadership, check out the ACAMIS’ upcoming online workshop, Intercultural and Servant Leadership for Administrative Leaders, facilitated by Henry Wong.
