It was in 2010, and he told me: "Your career is at risk because you're a servant leader."
🔄 A Decade's Difference
Fast forward to 2019, a different manager celebrated me for the same reason. What gives?
Back then, leadership equated to toughness, vision, and a command-control approach. Fast forward, and the script has flipped: now, it's about leaders who inspire, nurture, and empower their teams to excel together.
🤯 Why the Shift?
This transformation wasn't overnight nor about my evolution. The corporate landscape itself underwent a seismic shift towards valuing empathy, collaboration, and fostering environments where people can grow, not just in skills but in spirit.
🛠 The Essence of True Servant LeadershipGreat servant leadership isn't about being nice or avoiding hard decisions. It's about:
Empathy: Truly understanding and caring for your team's well-being.
Growth: Encouraging development beyond just work-related skills.
Role Modeling: Living the values you preach, every single day.
Collaboration: Sharing victories and challenges, learning as a collective.
It's about putting your team's needs above your own, not for the sake of self-sacrifice but for the collective good, driving performance through trust and mutual respect.
🗣 Let's Get RealServant leadership isn't all roses. It challenges conventional norms, often misunderstood as weakness or lack of direction. But here's the kicker: embracing this style has not only enriched my career but also the careers of those I've had the privilege to lead.
🔥 Your Thoughts?Have you experienced the transformational power of servant leadership, either as a leader or a follower? Does it resonate, or do you see it differently?
PS: Leadership is not just about achieving goals; it's about how we grow and inspire others along the way: "Heart Work Gets You Further."
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