Developing Teams through Servant Leadership

Servant leadership is a people-oriented approach that focuses on the satisfaction of employees as a key component of organizational effectiveness (Greenleaf, 1977). Instead of paying attention to conventional metrics such as the bottom line or quarterly targets, servant leaders focus on the growth of their subordinates in both personal and professional life (Nawaz & Khan, 2016). This style of leadership has started to gain momentum in the corporate world, and social organizations are in line with the current organizational culture that embraces empathy, collaboration, and sustainability (Northouse, 2019).

What Is Servant Leadership?

This concept of servant leadership was inspired by Robert K. Greenleaf and his paper titled The Servant as Leader in 1977. In this philosophy, the principle is that leaders should be powered by the desire to serve as opposed to the desire to rule. In the view of Greenleaf (1977), the servant-leader ensures that “other people’s highest priority needs are being served,” thus enabling the team members to feel valued, encouraged, and motivated.

Important Aspects of Servant Leadership

Empathy and Listening: Masters and Khan (2016) assert that servant leaders listen actively and make an effort to comprehend the divergent perspectives of each member of the team.
Empowerment: They give away power and allow their employees to be more innovative and take charge, knowing that trust and authority will lead to the growth of both the company and its employees (Northouse, 2019).
Stewardship: A servant leader perceives management as a calling to account for the organization’s people and resources rather than exploit them (Greenleaf, 1977).
Community Building: By focusing on interpersonal relationships and the values that bring about a sense of community in the workplace, servant leaders can enhance teamwork and cooperation among employees (Nawaz & Khan, 2016).

Why Servant Leadership Matters

This type of leadership is particularly significant today as the employees are looking for meaning in their work (Northouse, 2019). This style increases employee engagement and decreases turnover because it encourages the growth of each individual. Furthermore, servant-leader culture has been associated with increased levels of innovation because employees are comfortable with sharing ideas and taking experimental actions (Greenleaf, 1977).

From a sustainability point of view, servant leadership is compatible with long-term thinking because it prioritizes people’s well-being (Nawaz & Khan, 2016). When leaders show concern for their subordinates, they are more likely to foster sustainable practices that benefit employees, society, and the environment. This is in sync with current corporate social responsibility approaches, which use people-centered principles to guide organizational actions (Northouse, 2019).

How to Implement Servant Leadership in Real Life

Foster Open Communication: There should be regular feedback sessions where the employees should be allowed to give their suggestions without being criticized in any way (Nawaz & Khan, 2016).
Develop Others: Provide training, mentoring, and individualized career growth and advancement opportunities.
Model Empathy: Practice active listening and display interest in the affairs of each member of the team.
Promote Shared Decision-Making: Engage employees in setting goals and solving problems, sharing responsibilities for the company’s outcomes (Greenleaf, 1977).
Celebrate Successes: Reward achievements in a manner that emphasizes not only individual contribution but also team effort and support (Nawaz & Khan, 2016).

Conclusion

Servant leadership surpasses organizational structures by focusing on the development and well-being of team members as the key to organizational effectiveness (Greenleaf, 1977; Nawaz & Khan, 2016; Northouse, 2019). Through trust, empathy, and collective responsibility, servant leaders develop a strong workforce that can address challenges and foster sustainable innovation. Thus, in today’s world, which is increasingly focusing on ethical and sustainable practices, servant leadership provides a strong context for developing teams that excel in both human and organizational aspects.