The Ten Principles of Servant Leadership
Prioritizing the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong.
Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations, and ultimately creates a more caring and equitable world. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the "top of the pyramid," servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.
Robert K. Greenleaf first coined the phrase "servant leadership" in his 1970 essay, "The Servant as a Leader." However, it was Larry Spears, CEO of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, who identified the ten characteristics that are at the core of this leadership style. These principles are not exhaustive, but they serve as a vital framework for those seeking to lead through service.
1. Listening
Servant leaders have a deep commitment to listening intently to others. They seek to identify the will of a group and help clarify that will. They listen receptively to what is said and unsaid. This goes beyond just hearing words; it involves active listening that pays attention to the body language, tone, and silence of those they are communicating with. By listening first, servant leaders foster trust and ensure that team members feel valued and understood.
2. Empathy
People need to be accepted and recognized for their special and unique spirits. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. A servant leader strives to understand and empathize with others. They assume the good intentions of their colleagues and do not reject them as people, even when they may find it necessary to refuse to accept certain behaviors or performance. This emotional intelligence allows leaders to build strong, supportive relationships.
3. Healing
One of the great strengths of servant leadership is the potential for healing ones self and others. Many people have broken spirits and have suffered from a variety of emotional hurts. Although this is a part of being human, servant leaders recognize that they have an opportunity to help make whole those with whom they interact. By fostering an environment of psychological safety, they allow individuals to recover from past mistakes and personal traumas, contributing to a healthier organizational culture.
4. Awareness
General awareness, and especially self-awareness, strengthens the servant-leader. Awareness helps one in understanding issues involving ethics and values. It lends itself to being able to view most situations from a more integrated, holistic position. A servant leader is conscious of how their actions affect others. They are grounded in reality and are not swayed by the temptations of power or ego, maintaining a clear perspective on the organization's purpose and their role within it.
5. Persuasion
Servant leaders rely on persuasion rather than positional authority in making decisions within an organization. They seek to convince others rather than coerce compliance. This particular characteristic offers the clearest distinction between the traditional authoritarian model and that of servant leadership. The servant leader is effective at building consensus within groups. By persuading rather than forcing, they ensure that the team is genuinely committed to the chosen path.
6. Conceptualization
Servant leaders seek to nurture their abilities to dream great dreams. They look beyond the day-to-day realities of operations and strive to see the bigger picture. The ability to look at a problem (or an organization) from a conceptualizing perspective means that one must think beyond day-to-day realities. For many managers, this is a characteristic that requires discipline and practice. Traditional leaders are often consumed by the need to achieve short-term operational goals, while servant leaders balance this with a focus on long-term vision.
7. Foresight
Foresight is a characteristic that enables the servant-leader to understand the lessons from the past, the realities of the present, and the likely consequence of a decision for the future. It is deeply rooted in the intuitive mind. Foresight remains a largely unexplored area in leadership studies, but it is integral to the servant leaders toolkit. It allows them to anticipate problems before they occur and guide their organization through uncertainty with wisdom.
8. Stewardship
Stewardship is defined as "holding something in trust for another." Peter Block defines stewardship as "holding something in trust for another." Robert Greenleafs view of all institutions was one in which CEOs, staff, and trustees all played significant roles in holding their institutions in trust for the greater good of society. Servant leaders view their role not as owners, but as caretakers. They are responsible for the organizations resources and its people, managing them with integrity and accountability.
9. Commitment to the Growth of People
Servant leaders believe that people have an intrinsic value beyond their tangible contributions as workers. As a result, they are deeply committed to the growth of each and every individual. They take the responsibility to nurture the personal and professional growth of their colleagues. This might include providing mentorship, offering challenging opportunities, or supporting further education. They recognize that an organizations strength lies in the continuous development of its people.
10. Building Community
Servant leaders are aware that the shift from local to global society has left many people feeling disconnected and isolated. They seek to build a sense of community within the workplace. By fostering positive relationships and a shared sense of purpose, they create an environment where people feel they belong. This building of community extends beyond the office doors, as the organization interacts with the wider society, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.
Adopting these ten principles requires a fundamental shift in mindset. It is not a quick fix or a management technique to be applied only when convenient. Rather, it is a long-term transformational approach to life and work. By leading with a servant's heart, leaders can inspire their teams, achieve sustainable success, and make a lasting positive impact on the world.
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