The idea being a servant leader – where the leader’s model practices what is taught by a number of great religious figures (e.g. the Buddha, Jesus Christ, some of the Desert and Sufi Mystics) – is appealing. But difficult to pull off: the maneuvering required to keep your team productive or business afloat can mean taking actions that are decidedly unservant-like. Caring for your team and ensuring that their voices are heard and, where possible, needs are met are solid priorities, as is seeking to operate with some integrity. However, power in an organization ultimately rests at the top (With you) and pretending that it does not, will only confuse things for you and your team.
Additional Resources
- Putting Your Team First, And Yourself Second – MindTools
- The Art of Servant Leadership -SHRM
- What is Servant Leadership? – The Greenleaf Center For Servant Leadership