The Leader as Servant: A Timeless Approach to Leadership
While servant leadership has gained popularity in recent years, it remains underutilized in many large corporations. The concept, articulated by Robert K. Greenleaf in his seminal essay “The Servant as Leader,” posits that great leaders are those who are servants first. This notion is echoed in the podcast featuring Cheryl Bachelder, who discusses how servant leadership can catalyze cultural change and drive superior performance. This discussion examines the compelling aspects of servant leadership, its potential longevity, and personal experiences with leaders who embody this philosophy.
The Essence of Servant Leadership
Greenleaf’s (1977) exploration into servant leadership was inspired by Hermann Hesse’s Journey to the East, where the character Leo exemplifies a servant who sustains and leads his group through his spirit and service. Greenleaf asserts that the greatness of a leader is rooted in their servant nature, a quality inherent rather than bestowed by position or title. Servant leaders prioritize the needs of others, fostering growth, autonomy, and well-being among their followers. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional leadership models focused on authority and control.
Compelling Elements of Servant Leadership
Several elements of servant leadership are particularly compelling. Firstly, the emphasis on empathy and listening stands out. Greenleaf (1977) highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the needs and concerns of others. This deep listening builds trust and strengthens relationships within an organization. Bachelder, in her podcast, reinforces this idea, illustrating how listening and empathy can transform organizational culture and improve performance (Monroe & Bachelder, 2015).
Secondly, the focus on foresight and stewardship is crucial. Greenleaf (1977) describes foresight as a central ethic of leadership, enabling leaders to anticipate and prepare for future challenges. Stewardship involves taking responsibility for the well-being of the organization and its people, ensuring that decisions are made with the long-term interests of all stakeholders in mind.
The Future of Servant Leadership
The question of whether servant leadership will continue to grow or fade as a trend is pertinent. Given its foundational principles and the growing awareness of its benefits, it is likely that servant leadership will continue to gain traction. Patrnchak’s (2015) case study on Cleveland Clinic demonstrates how implementing servant leadership can lead to significant organizational change and improved outcomes. As more organizations recognize the value of this approach, it is poised to become more widely adopted.
Personal Experience with Servant Leadership
Working at a SaaS company in Tokyo, I have directly observed the positive impact of servant leadership on employee morale, motivation, and retention. Our leader consistently demonstrated servant leadership by prioritizing the personal and professional growth of team members. This approach involved regular one-on-one meetings to discuss individual career aspirations, offering mentorship, and providing resources for continuous learning and development.
For example, when our team faced tight deadlines and high-pressure projects, our leader would step in to assist with the workload, demonstrating a willingness to serve alongside us rather than merely directing from above. This not only alleviated stress but also reinforced a culture of collaboration and mutual support. Moreover, by actively listening to our concerns and suggestions, our leader implemented flexible work schedules and mental health days, which significantly boosted morale and productivity.
The impact of this servant leadership style was evident in several key areas. Employee turnover decreased as team members felt more valued and supported, leading to a more stable and experienced workforce. Increased job satisfaction and motivation translated into higher levels of engagement, innovation, and efficiency. Consequently, these improvements contributed to a notable increase in the company’s profitability, as a motivated and loyal team is more likely to deliver exceptional results and drive customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
Servant leadership, as articulated by Greenleaf and exemplified by leaders like Cheryl Bachelder, offers a transformative approach to leadership that prioritizes empathy, foresight, and stewardship. Its principles are timeless and increasingly relevant in today’s complex and dynamic organizational environments. As organizations continue to seek sustainable and ethical leadership models, servant leadership is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of leadership.
References
Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). The servant as leader. Paulist Press.
Monroe, K. (Host), & Bachelder, C. (Guest). (2015). Servant leadership as a catalyst for culture change and superior performance [Audio podcast]. The Greenleaf Center. Retrieved from https://soundcloud.com/greenleafcenter/sls-cherylbachelder-120413
Patrnchak, J. M. (2015). Implementing servant leadership at Cleveland Clinic: A case study in organizational change. Servant Leadership Theory and Practice, 2(1), 36–48.
What is servant leadership? (2018, May 8). STU Online. Retrieved from https://online.stu.edu/articles/education/what-is-servant-leadership.aspx
Note:
This article is written based on University of The People Leading in Today’s Dynamic Context (BUS 5411) written assignment by Fristy Tania Sato in May 2024
