What Is ‘Servant Leadership,’ Exactly? HR and DEI Experts Share What It Looks Like in the Workplace
A woman viewed as a 'servant leader' running a workplace meeting
When you hear the term "servant leadership," what do you picture? Leaders serving drinks and hors d'oeuvres? Or, do visions of strong, selfless leaders who empower their teams and inspire change come to mind? Whatever the mental picture, servant leadership is a dynamic and transformative approach that—when done well—impacts workplaces in a profoundly meaningful way.
So, what is ‘servant leadership’? At The Norfus Firm, we define it as a leader’s lack of preoccupation with their own interests and advancement while also prioritizing the needs of their team or organization. Servant leaders are typically resilient and can withstand the pressures and setbacks of leadership—all while maintaining their focus on serving others.
When consistently applied throughout an organization, servant leadership becomes integral to its culture, leading to increased employee engagement, better customer relationships, and overall organizational success.
Related: 10 Phrases To Begin a Workplace Complaint, According to DEI & HR Expert Natalie E. Norfus
What Is 'Servant Leadership'?
Definition. A leader’s lack of preoccupation with their own interests and advancement while also prioritizing the needs of their team or organization. They are resilient and can withstand the pressures and setbacks of leadership while maintaining their focus on serving others.
Impact of Servant Leadership. When consistently applied throughout the organization, servant leadership becomes integral to its culture, leading to increased employee engagement, better customer/supplier relationships, and overall organizational success.
Related: Adopting This One Simple Phrase Can Prevent 'High Achiever Burnout,' According to Career Experts
10 Characteristics of Servant Leaders, According to HR and DEI Experts
1. Empathy
Genuine concern for the needs, feelings and concerns of their team members and strive to understand them on a personal level.
Related: 35 Simple, Sincere Phrases To Express Empathy, According to Therapists
2. Active Listening
Listening to what others have to say, without interrupting or jumping to conclusions prematurely; values the input and ideas of their team.
3. Selflessness
A willingness to forgo personal gain, when needed, to support the well-being and development of their team.
4. Empowerment
Encouraging one’s team to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This also requires trust in their team's capabilities to give them autonomy.
5. Humility
Does not seek personal recognition or glory, acknowledges one’s own limitations and mistakes, and is open to learning from others.
6. Service
Actively seeks opportunities to help and serve their team members, fostering a culture of support and collaboration; creates an inclusive and supportive work environment.
Related: 35 Team-Building Activities and Games That Will Excite Your Whole Crew
7. Accountability
Takes responsibility for successes, failures, and well-being of their team while inspiring and guiding them toward a shared vision.
8. Ethical Behavior
Models integrity, honesty and fairness for their team.
9. Two-Way Communication
Fosters open and transparent communication within the organization, encouraging feedback and dialogue at all levels. Exhibits patience when dealing with challenges and conflicts, seeking solutions through dialogue and understanding.
10. Adaptability
Ability to adjust their leadership style to meet the changing needs of their team and organization.
Related: 100 Employee Appreciation Quotes To Boost Morale and Say Thank You for Their Hard Work
Like any leadership philosophy, servant leadership requires daily practice. One or two times of being an active listener, for example, will not garner long-term will not garner long-term trust, build strong relationships or foster effective communication.
And, no matter the stage of your leadership journey, it’s important to regularly evaluate whether your leadership practices align with the ever-evolving needs of your team and organization.
