Mastering Compassionate Leadership: Strategies for Empathetic Management
In a world where profit and power can often take center stage, leading with kindness might just be the smartest move a leader can make. Steeped in ethics and putting employees first, this approach – called servant leadership – has been shown time and time again to boost profits and raise morale. Instead of aspiring to rulers, servant leaders aim to serve their team as coaches, mentors, and cheerleaders, setting the strategic direction, providing the necessary tools, and empowering team members to step up and take responsibility.
Echoes of servant leadership can be traced back to ancient times, but it was Robert Greenleaf, a retired AT&T executive, who coined the term "servant leader" in his celebrated essay, "The Servant as Leader," in 1970. Greenleaf recognized that organizations thrived under leaders who acted as supportive coaches, serving their teams' needs and those of the company. His concept hinges on the idea that "the organization exists for the person as much as the person exists for the organization."
So, what does it take to be a servant leader? From the peaceful movements led by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. to the powerful oratory of Nelson Mandela or the innovative minds of Jack Welch and Cheryl Bachelder, servant leadership can be seen in action both in history and in today's corporate world.
In your quest to build a positive, thriving workplace, let's dive into what it takes to become a servant leader and how this philosophy can help you and your team succeed.
What is Servant Leadership, Exactly? (Servant Leadership Definition)
Servant leadership is a management philosophy that centers around the growth, well-being, and success of employees, ultimately leading to a thriving organization. A servant leader doesn't seek power, control, or personal glory; instead, they are dedicated to propelling the team forward through stewardship and community-building.
Think about a servant leader as a mix of a coach and a cheerleader: They make the plays (provide strategic direction), design the training regimen (offer resources and tools), entrust each player with responsibilities for their position (allow task ownership), and inspire and empower their team to take action.
Who are Servant Leaders? (Servant Leadership Examples)
Historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, and Martin Luther King Jr. have showcased servant leadership's transformative power. Today, modern executives like Jack Welch, Herb Keller, Cheryl Bachelder, Joel Manby, and Art Bator have demonstrated how servant leadership principles can be applied in the business world.
The Top 10 Characteristics of a Servant Leader
While servant leadership may seem out of reach for a modern small business owner or manager, these valuable principles can be applied in any setting – from managing a team at work to leading a movement or a nation. Here are the ten core traits of a servant leader:
- Listening: Servant leaders are attentive and genuinely listen to their team, actively seeking feedback and understanding without defensiveness.
- Empathy: They possess high emotional intelligence and demonstrate concern for others, supporting and nurturing their team members during challenges.
- Healing: By approaching their role from a place of kindness and community, servant leaders help to create a safe and accepting environment for all.
- Awareness: Self-awareness is crucial for a servant leader to recognize their shortcomings and take action to improve objectively, while maintaining a holistic view of their team's roles within the organization.
- Persuasion: Servant leaders inspire their team by building consensus and demonstrating a commitment to collective growth.
- Conceptualization: They dream big and have the ability to conceptualize innovative goals and visions.
- Foresight: Through intuition and thoughtful decision-making based on past lessons, servant leaders instill confidence and strategize effectively.
- Stewardship: A servant leader guards the well-being of the team, organization, and community above all and is dedicated to serving others.
- Commitment to the Growth of People: A servant leader values their team members intrinsically and genuinely cares about their personal and professional growth.
- Building Community: By fostering a sense of unity, servant leaders enable their team members to connect and collaborate effectively, ultimately strengthening the entire organization.
By embodying these ten characteristics, you can unleash the power of servant leadership to drive your team to success and create a positive, thriving workplace. Check out this TED Talk by Thomas Thibodeau for a deeper understanding of how servant leadership works in today's world.
A servant leader, like Mahatma Gandhi or Jack Welch, demonstrates a blend of coaching and cheerleading, focusing on the growth and well-being of employees to foster a thriving organization. Listening attentively and empathizing with team members are vital attributes of a servant leader, helping to create a safe, supportive environment.
