Four Reasons to Serve Your Staff! By Arnie Wohlgemut
If you search the Internet, you will find over 900 books on servant leadership plus many more on related subjects. I was surprised to find this topic has been around in management and leadership circles for nearly 50 years.
Why all the talk about servant leadership?
Is being a leader who serves their team the only attribute to being an inspiring leader? I truly hope not!
If we wish to create a work environment that is inspiring, then serving others plays a big role.
Here are four reasons from a few of these authors why we should serve our staff:
“If we want to be good leaders, it is our job to help the people we lead or work with, be good at their jobs. This doesn’t mean doing their work for them; it means we help them get the resources, the information and the support they need to perform at their natural best.”
Simon Sinek
- Our team’s effectiveness is our responsibility! I have often said that as leaders we must remove barriers that prevent our team from being successful. Red tape, long approval processes, consultation and engagement plans must be simple!
“It’s improper for one person to take credit when it takes so many people to build a successful organization. When you try to be the top dog, you don’t create loyalty. If you can’t give credit (and take blame), you will drown in your inability to inspire.”
Jim Sinegal
2. It deals with our egos. Your new promotion or status in the organization was hard fought for. We can quickly develop pride in our achievements. Helping others succeed can keep it real and remind us of where we came from.
“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet – thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing – consistently. This builds trust, and followers love leaders they can trust.”
Dr. Lance Secretan
3. People love authentic leaders. We are often role models. Many will look at what you do as a good leadership example. People will particularly notice your attitude towards the team and their success.
“Your rewards in life are in direct proportion to your service.”
Earl Nightingale
4. We achieve more when we are empowering. This is true statement, there is only so much we can do on our own. Empowerment is different than delegation. It is a deliberate act of sharing power. An empowering leader builds relationships on the foundation of trust and respect for each other. The more your team achieves, the more successful you and your organization will be. That is where the rewards are!
That is just a snapshot of the “WHY” behind servant leadership. I hope you will step up to the challenge of “servant leadership” and enjoy the benefits of the new collaboration and positive energy!
You must be logged in to post a comment.