As we have told you on many occasions, there are multiple ways of conceiving what a Leader is.
- And, usually, the role of a Leader varies depending on the Situation.
The Qualities needed are different, in different scenarios.
- Sometimes you need a Strong Decided Leader.
- Other times you Need a good Negotiator.
- Other times you Need Democratic-Empathetic Leader…
But, there is one quality or, Leadership Style, that is commonly forgotten:
- The Servant Leadership.
What is exactly that?
- The Servant Leadership is a type of Leadership that is based on helping and guiding people, as a way of Leading them.
How is this possible?
How can you Lead by helping?
Easy:
When you help someone, you make them dependent on you.
- They become “slave” of your help.
And, the more you help them, the more they need you.
We know this can be a bit confusing.
Let’s see some Examples:
Examples of Servant Leadership
Anyone Who is always helping his friends with Homework.
- If there is a good relationship within the group of friends…
- … The one who is always helping others acquires prominence over time.
A Mentor who guides you.
- When someone helps you professionally, you establish a bond of gratitude with him/her.
- It can be your Boss, or somebody from other department.
A Boss that takes time to help you, even if he is busy.
- When you see that you are his priority, you are enormously grateful.
- Especially if you feel that he really cares about you.
A Boss who helps his Team in difficult times, even if he doesn’t have to.
- Working shoulder to shoulder with a boss is usually inspiring.
- This makes his Team to feel inspired by his determination.
We are aware that these examples are a bit ambiguous.
But, you can surely differentiate when a Boss is honestly helping you…
… And when he is forced because you are messing something up.
There is a fine line between a Servant Leader and a Meddler.
Let’s try to summarize what Characterizes a True Servant Leader.
So you can practice this Leadership approach:
Characteristics of Servant Leaders
They are not always Serving others, as it name suggests.
- Be a Servant Leader does not imply to be 100% of your time behaving like a butler.
- Thus, when Serving, your help is much more appreciated.
They care about the Professional/Personal development of their Team.
- They don’t pretend.
- When they offer help, you can feel they are acting in good faith.
They Prioritize Who needs their help the most.
- They don’t help everyone asking for help.
- They know who needs their help the most and who is just pretending.
They know How to say No.
- Their “presence” is their Asset; they shouldn’t waste it.
- They must keep the Interest high; otherwise, they will no longer be respected.
- Remember: It is called Servant Leader, not Slave Leader.
