About Leadership

Ghandi, Mandela, Mother Teresa, Howard Schultz, and Satya Nadella are all servant leaders.

The practice of leadership is a mysterious, difficult to grasp concept that so many people rely upon for steering a successful business or community.  One knows it when they see it; however, putting a cookbook together on leadership is challenging because leadership is not a one size fits all prospect.  Leadership is about people, plain and simple, and we are complex creatures. 

Leaders demonstrate professional competence, courage, and integrity every day and set high personal standards for him or herself.  Therefore, it stands to reason that one must demonstrate the qualities of a leader before rightfully demanding it from others.  One must know oneself completely and bring his or her authentic self to the situations needing leadership. 

What makes a good leader?  Effective leadership is characterized by certain qualities and behaviors that set exceptional leaders apart:

  1. Integrity:  Leaders demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all interactions.
  2. Empathy:  Understanding and empathizing with others’ perspectives fosters trust and collaboration.
  3. Resilience:  Leaders persevere through challenges, remaining committed to their vision.
  4. Innovation:  Encouraging creativity and innovation drives continuous improvement and keeps organizations competitive. 
  5. Adaptability:  Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances are crucial in dynamic environments.

When discussing my preferred leadership style, I am most proud of being able to call myself a servant leader.  This means that I focus on serving the needs of others which empowers them to reach their full potential.  Servant leadership is characterized by specific traits and behaviors:

  1. Listening skills:  Effective communication begins with listening.  I am an active listener who encourages open dialog and incorporates diverse viewpoints into my decision-making processes.
  2. Humility:  I am a humble leader that prioritizes the needs of others over my own ego.  I do not seek recognition or personal gain, but derive intrinsic satisfaction from helping others succeed. 
  3. Resilience:  I demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges or setbacks.  I remain steadfast in my commitments to serving others and overcoming obstacles to achieve our collective goals.
  4. Empowerment:  Rather than exerting control or authority, I empower my followers to make decisions, take ownership of my work, and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s goals.
  5. Commitment to Development:  I invest in the development and growth of my team members through mentorship, coaching, and serving others and providing opportunities for learning and skills development.

Servant leadership represents a powerful and transformative approach to leading others. By prioritizing service, empathy, and the growth of individuals and communities, servant leaders create environments where everyone can thrive and contribute to shared goals. As organizations face increasing complexity and challenges, the principles of servant leadership offer a timeless and effective framework for building trust, fostering collaboration, and achieving sustainable success.

Servant leadership is not just a leadership style but a philosophy that resonates with individuals who aspire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around them. Embracing servant leadership principles can lead to profound personal and organizational growth, making it a cornerstone of effective leadership in the 21st century and beyond.