Category Archives: Servant Leadership

Everyday Leaders, Leadership, Servant Leadership

EVERYDAY LEADERS: SERVANTHOOD

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Leadership is about being a servant first.” – Allen West

This year I am focusing on everyday leaders. Not those who hold a formal position of authority, but those of us who, through our behaviors, have the ability to influence and inspire those around us just by being us. This is the tenth installment of articles that focus on one specific behavior that can make a huge difference in our ability to impact the lives of others.

This month I want to talk about servanthood. What does servanthood have to do with being an everyday leader? The true designation of ‘leader’ is given to those who serve others. Everyday leaders serve those they work with, those on their teams, and those in their communities on a daily basis. They are the ‘helpers’ who everyone know they can depend on and trust. So, what does servanthood look like in everyday leadership?

Support:

Everyday leaders are known for the support they offer to others. Whether you need a shoulder to lean on or someone to have your back, you can count on an everyday leader. They are in your corner cheering you on. This support allows the everyday leader to have a positive influence on those who they work with.

Respect:

Lack of respect in the workplace is one of the greatest contributors to poor morale and decreased loyalty. When formal management fails to recognize and respect the valuable contributions of their employees, everyday leaders are there to pick up the slack. Everyday leaders know that respect is currency when it comes to working together to achieve shared goals. This wisdom allows everyday leaders to inspire those they work with.

Encouragement:

Everyone accomplishes more when they have a little encouragement. Everyday leaders show confidence in the abilities of others and encourage them to develop confidence in themselves. This encouragement earns everyday leaders the loyalty that formal leaders often lack.

Everyday leaders make an impact by serving others. They are able to influence others because of the support they offer. The respect they demonstrate toward everyone they work with gives them the ability to inspire others. They earn loyalty because of the encouragement they offer. Everyday leaders see the value in serving others and are willing to step into the servanthood void often ignored by those holding formal positions of authority.

How can you start being a servant today?

 

© 2018 Liz Stincelli

 

I am passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. I am the Founder of Stincelli Advisors where I focus on helping organizations change attitudes, change communication dynamics, improve collaboration and problem-solving, engage employees, and strengthen organizational culture. I am the author of “Overcoming Barriers in Your Leadership”. I am a Training Partner with StephenK Leadership. I hold a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about me by visiting my website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with me on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact me by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.

 

Leadership, Servant Leadership

Four Reasons You Need to Become a Servant Leader

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“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.” —Max de Pree

By Elizabeth Stincelli, DM

 

Servant Leadership

Leadership is a privilege and may say more about your character than any other action you might take. What makes servant leadership different than any other form of leadership? Servant leaders focus on meeting the needs of others rather than gaining fame, fortune, and power for themselves. They recognize that every employee has value. They care about everyone who interacts with the organization. They listen to and respect those they work with. To be a servant leader, a heart and mind for service has to be ingrained in your core values. Here are four reasons you need to be a servant leader.

Influence

Henry Drummond believed, “The people who influence you are the people who believe in you.” Leadership is based on an ability to influence. Servant leaders influence others based on the building of trusting and respectful relationships. They show employees that they believe in them. Their leadership builds consensus and collaboration. Servant leaders understand that everyone needs to be encouraged and truly cared for on an individual level. They know that people can accomplish amazing things when they are inspired by a purpose beyond themselves. Servant leaders do right by their people, and their people do right by the organization. These leaders put themselves where they can influence by doing the most good for those they lead and by giving others something to believe in.

Empowerment

Bill Gates tells us, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” Servant leaders provide the support system and resources that employees need to do their jobs and then give them control over their own work. They are the opposite of command and control leaders; they lead by empowering, encouraging, and serving. Their aim is to equip and bring out the best in others. Servant leaders help others become engaged so that they can make their own positive impact. When employees feel empowered, they take ownership of their work; this ownership, improves morale, productivity, and quality.

Example

Jeffrey Gitomer explained, “Management’s job is to convey leadership’s message in a compelling and inspiring way. Not just in meetings, but also by example.” You are setting the leadership example. Servant leaders share their knowledge, help others in any way they can, and give of their time and resources to everyone. Their humble, selfless example of leadership builds teams of individuals who also want to be of service to others. This service brings people together and creates a unity that is inspiring, productive, and engaging.

Strengths and weaknesses

Zig Ziglar advised us, “Try to look at your weakness and convert it into your strength. That’s success.” You have strengths, but you also have weaknesses. Servant leaders recognize where they are best able to help others, and where others are best able to help them. They use their strengths to meet the needs of others. And, they provide the tools and learning opportunities needed for employees to grow their own strengths and abilities. Servant leaders serve and support behind the scenes, allowing employees a sense of accomplishment and control.

Become a Servant

Making it your primary role to serve others is both satisfying and productive. Becoming a servant leader shows strength of character. It builds strong relationships and develops servant leaders throughout your organization. Becoming a servant increases your influence, empowers employees, sets an inspiring example, and allows you to focus on serving where your strengths lie.

What can you do to start serving today?

 

 

© 2015 Elizabeth Stincelli

 

Elizabeth Stincelli is passionate about recognizing and inspiring the leader in each of us. She is the CEO of Stincelli Advisors where she focuses on helping organizations engage employees and improve organizational culture. Elizabeth holds a Doctor of Management degree with an emphasis on organizational leadership.

Learn more about Elizabeth by visiting her website, stincelliadvisors.com and connect with her on Twitter @infinitestin, Google+, and LinkedIn. You can contact her by email at stincelliadvisors@gmail.com.