Industry leaders frequently search for newer and better ways to improve their company’s culture. Recently, servanthood leadership has been surfacing as a real option to improve morale, build better relationships, and foster teamwork. Studies demonstrate positive outcomes when the philosophy of servanthood is integrated in the workplace.
What Does Servanthood Mean?
A servanthood philosophy involves placing the needs of others before your own. It begins with strong feelings of wanting to serve others and exercising concern regarding other people’s experiences and growth. People who believe in and practice this philosophy are easy to forgive, have courage to confront issues, are authentic and accountable and are humble. They also believe in the free choice of others, they value diverse thoughts and opinions, are keenly aware when others are hurt or in pain, and believe in supporting others.
How to Build a Servanthood Culture
Building any type of culture takes strong and passionate leadership. And in this case, servanthood leadership. Servanthood leaders have many characteristics and behaviors in common, including:
- Promote healthy and motivated employees
- Act as advocates for the people they lead and serve
- Find great satisfaction and meaning with work
- Desire to understand others
- Help others to think more highly of themselves
- Encourage growth of others
Servanthood leaders also guide the workplace with compassionate love and humility. They are other-oriented and make employees their number one priority. They are plugged into the pulse of the workplace and check in with employees frequently. Servanthood leaders foster trust and eliminate fear, allowing their staff to be open and honest which improves the flow of communication. They also tend to know how to help employees or new hires fit in and feel comfortable in the workplace.
Benefits of a Servanthood Culture
Traditional leadership is top-down. Servanthood leadership is side-by-side. This philosophy sets the stage for an equal playing field where most employees feel empowered and valued, and as a result will:
- Develop better relationships
- Create a kinship within the workplace
- Display greater commitment to others
- Enhance morale and work satisfaction
- Stay employed for longer periods of time
- Handle conflict in more productive ways
These outcomes aren’t just anecdotal, but are based on research examining the benefits of servanthood leadership and the development of a culture that embraces this philosophy.
Final Thoughts on Building a Culture of Servanthood in the Workplace
What workplace culture out there couldn’t benefit from a good examination and overhaul? Despite numerous types of leadership, one rises to the top when building a servanthood culture, and it is called servanthood leadership. The two go hand-in-hand and can lead to some very positive outcomes for the staff and organization as a whole.