Unlock the Power of your Team by Being an Authentic Servant Leader
The concept of servant leadership has been a focal point in leadership philosophy for decades. Coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s, servant leadership shifts the focus from the leader’s power and authority to the needs and growth of their team members. At its core, it’s not about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about empowering others, fostering a genuine sense of purpose, and creating an environment where everyone thrives. But how does one become an authentic servant leader in today’s fast-paced and demanding workplaces?
Below, we explore key principles and actionable steps to guide managers and leaders toward leading with authenticity, character, and purpose.
1. Cultivate Perspective and Systems Thinking
Great leaders make decisions with an understanding of the bigger picture. It's easy to fall into the trap of making snap judgments or addressing only the immediate problem in front of you. Authentic servant leaders use systems thinking to avoid this pitfall, identifying how different elements of their organization are interconnected.
For example, addressing an employee's underperformance might require more than a one-on-one chat. It could involve examining the training systems in place, workload distribution, or even the broader organizational culture. By understanding how these factors interact, you can approach challenges holistically rather than applying short-term fixes.
Takeaway: When faced with a decision, ask yourself, “What are the broader implications of this choice?” Consider how your actions might ripple through your team and the organization as a whole.
2. Lead with Character and Prioritize People’s Needs
Leaders are entrusted with making decisions that impact the lives of others. Authentic servant leaders approach this responsibility with intention and integrity, ensuring they prioritize the needs of their people alongside their business objectives.
A survey by Gallup revealed that employees are 23% more likely to feel engaged when they feel their manager genuinely cares about their well-being. This means taking the time to understand what motivates and challenges your team members, listening actively, and incorporating their needs into your decision-making process.
Practical Step: Build trust by practicing consistency, transparency, and fairness. For example, if your team feels the pressure of unrealistic deadlines, advocate for fairer timelines—even when it's tough to do so.
3. Empower Through Autonomy
Micromanagement is the antithesis of effective leadership. People leaders who genuinely embody servant leadership empower their teams by entrusting them with autonomy. Resisting the urge to control every decision not only builds trust but also allows team members to grow and develop their skills.
According to a report from Harvard Business Review, giving employees greater autonomy significantly increases job satisfaction, productivity, and innovation. When individuals feel trusted, they rise to the challenge.
Practical Tip: Implement a “coaching” approach rather than a “directing” one in your leadership strategy. Instead of instructing an employee how to complete a task, ask guiding questions to help them discover their own solutions.
4. Treat People Like Adults
One of the simplest yet most overlooked leadership principles is treating people with respect and dignity. This goes beyond surface courtesy and involves trusting your team members’ abilities, honoring their input, and fostering an environment built on mutual respect. People leaders often underestimate the importance of civility and kindness, especially during times of pressure or challenges.
Dr. Christine Porath, an expert on workplace civility, found that workplace incivility leads to 67% of employees disengaging with their work and 12% leaving their organization entirely. Mistreatment can kill morale, while kindness can build bridges.
Action to Try: During high-stress situations, pause before responding and ask, “Am I treating my team with the same respect I’d expect for myself?”
5. Err on the Side of Doing What’s Right
Leaders often face morally ambiguous situations—whether it’s a decision to cut costs that may impact employee benefits or navigating conflicts within the team. Authenticity as a servant leader means prioritizing the right thing, even when it isn’t the easiest or most convenient choice.
Such decisions don’t go unnoticed. Employees value leaders who demonstrate fairness, ethical behavior, and humanity. Over time, this builds credibility and trust, which are the cornerstones of effective leadership.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “What decision aligns best with my values and the good of the team?” If the answer isn’t evident, consult with someone you trust for an objective perspective.
6. Lead from a Place of Wholeness and Authenticity
Authentic servant leaders don’t wear masks. They lead from a deep sense of self-awareness and connection to their values rather than being driven by ego or insecurities. This requires a commitment to ongoing self-reflection, continuous learning, and remaining open to feedback from others.
When you lead authentically, your team can sense it. It fosters a culture of trust, honesty, and genuine collaboration. According to research by Korn Ferry, leaders who are authentic are 22% more likely to inspire a thriving workplace culture.
How to Start: Schedule regular self-reflection time or journaling sessions to explore your motivations, biases, and emotional responses as a leader.
7. The Transformative Power of Kindness
Finally, it’s important to remember that leadership always starts with humanity. Challenges will arise, conflicts will occur, and situations will test your patience—but choosing civility and kindness in the face of difficulties sets the tone for your team.
This doesn’t mean ignoring accountability or avoiding tough conversations. It means delivering feedback with empathy and ensuring even difficult decisions are handled with grace.
Practical Reminder: The moments you choose to respond with kindness—whether it's in a heated discussion or when delivering tough news—will shape your legacy as a leader.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an authentic servant leader isn’t something you achieve overnight. It’s a continuous process of learning, reflecting, and evolving. By cultivating perspective, treating others with respect, empowering autonomy, and leading from your authentic self, you’ll create a leadership style that fosters growth—not just for your team but for yourself.
Leadership isn’t just about driving results; it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the people you work alongside. Remember, the most powerful leaders are those who serve first.
And as you progress on your leadership journey, keep these words by Simon Sinek in mind, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
What steps will you take today to serve those around you?