Many new leaders make the mistake of believing now that they are in a leadership position, it’s their time to shine. But great leaders are those who lead by serving others. Leadership really isn’t about you, but about your team. 

Sure, the new office, shiny car, and senior title look great on paper, but how do they help you lead? Do they make you better than the rest of your team?

The Pitfalls of Ego in Leadership

Ego has a tricky way of clouding vision. As a leader, you’re not always right or entitled to mindless servitude. Effective leadership, however, is about explaining your thought process, listening to your team's input, and allowing them to adapt your guidance to their specific needs and circumstances.

Leaders who let their ego take control often miss out on valuable insights from their team members. This can stifle innovation and create an environment where employees feel undervalued and disengaged. Instead, leaders should foster a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect, where every team member feels heard and appreciated.

Serving the Greater Good of the Organization

To be an impactful leader, you must prioritize serving others and the greater good of the organization. This involves sharing the spotlight with your team and acknowledging their hard work and contributions. When you celebrate your team's successes and provide them with the necessary tools and support, you create a culture of growth and empowerment.

For example, regularly recognizing team achievements in meetings or company communications can significantly boost morale and motivation. Leaders should also ensure that their team members have access to professional development opportunities, such as:

• Training programs

• Workshops

• Mentorship initiatives

These resources can enhance their skills and career prospects, making them feel more valued and invested in the organization’s success.

Elevating Your Team Members

As a leader, it’s your job to elevate your team—position feedback not as what your team member did wrong, but how that person can shine brighter. Share what you know and give your team the tools they need to thrive in their position.

Share your knowledge and experience generously, and provide resources and guidance tailored to individual growth. Encouraging continuous learning through workshops, courses, and mentorship programs can be very effective. When team members see that their leader is invested in their growth, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.

Creating a Safe Space for Open Communication

Often, employees don’t speak up or voice their concerns because they don’t believe they will be taken seriously. They may feel listened to but rarely see any action from what they’ve said. Basically, it’s a waste of their time.

Encourage them to come to you with any suggestions or issues, and prove to them that their contributions matter by taking action on their input. Take the time to sit down and let them know you recognize it’s not a one-person show. Prove to them that their feedback and ideas are vital to the team's success and that they can come to you with any idea or concern.

When people feel recognized and connected with leadership and the team as a whole, they know their they know their contributions matter and have value. This motivates them to try harder and build a sense of community. 

Benefits of Servant Leadership

Research shows that servant leadership can lead to higher employee satisfaction and a more innovative and productive workforce, individually and collectively. A study conducted in a large Italian consulting firm deepened the relationship between servant leadership and employee engagement.

These benefits underline the importance of adopting a leadership style that prioritizes the well-being and development of the team. When employees feel supported and valued, they are more likely to be motivated, productive, and loyal to the organization.

How to Implement Servant Leadership

To adopt a servant leadership style, consider the following steps:

1. Listen Actively: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to understand team members' challenges and aspirations.

2. Promote a Culture of Feedback: Create an environment where team members feel safe to express their ideas.

3. Invest in Professional Growth: Provide training and development opportunities to help team members advance their skills.

Implementing these practices can help leaders build a more engaged and high-performing team. It requires a commitment to continuous learning and improvement, both for the leader and the team members.

Takeaway

By empowering your team to take the lead and shine in their own right, you create a stronger, more cohesive unit that can achieve great things together.

As Nelson Mandela said, “Lead from the back—and let others believe they are in front.” When your team shines, you shine too. 

Transform Your Team with the Connected Leadership Workshop

Are you ready to elevate your team's performance and foster a culture of servant leadership? Bring the principles of connected leadership to your organization with our immersive Connected Leadership Workshop.

Why choose our Connected Leadership Workshop?

• Equip your team with essential servant leadership skills

• Enhance communication and collaboration within your team

• Empower your team members to reach their full potential

Invest in your team's growth and create a thriving, engaged workplace.

Learn More and Schedule a Workshop Today to start transforming your team into a high-performing unit!