We often equate leadership with power, authority, and a corner office with an amazing view. In recent years however, a quieter, more humble leadership philosophy has been gaining traction: servant leadership. This approach flips the traditional leadership hierarchy on its head, and instead emphasises the growth and wellbeing of the team as the leader’s primary focus.
The concept of servant leadership was first coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in his 1970 essay, “The Servant as Leader.” Greenleaf proposed that the most effective leaders are those who prioritise serving others—their employees, customers, and communities. Rather than using their power to control or command, servant leaders empower and support their teams to reach their full potential.
An Alternative Approach to Leadership
So, what does this alternative approach to leadership excellence look like in practice? At its centre, it’s about putting the needs of others first. These leaders focus on developing their team members’ skills, removing obstacles to their success, and creating a supportive, collaborative work environment. They lead by example, demonstrating empathy, active listening, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team.
One of the key benefits is that it creates a culture of trust, openness, and mutual respect. When team members feel valued and supported, they’re more likely to take ownership of their work, share ideas, and go above and beyond to achieve shared goals. This can lead to higher employee engagement, lower turnover, and ultimately, better business results.
The Benefits
Servant leadership isn’t just good for teams—it’s good for leaders, too. By focusing on the growth and success of others, servant leaders often find greater fulfillment and purpose in their work. They’re able to build deeper, more meaningful relationships with their colleagues and create a legacy that goes beyond their individual achievements.
The Future of Effective Leadership with The Thrive Team
At The Thrive Team, we believe that alternative leadership approaches, such as servant leadership, can be the future of effective, sustainable leadership excellence. That’s why our executive search process is designed to identify leaders who embody these principles. We look for individuals who have a track record of developing and empowering teams, who lead with empathy and humility, and who prioritise the long-term success of the organisation over their own short-term gains.
We also recognise that leader excellence is a journey, not a destination. Even the most experienced leaders can benefit from ongoing support and development to hone their skills and stay grounded in their values. That’s where our coaching and training services come in.
Our leadership coaching programs are tailored to each individual’s unique goals and challenges, with a focus on developing the core competencies. Through one-on-one coaching sessions, leaders can work on skills like active listening, empathy, and coaching team members to success. They can also gain insights into their own leadership style and blind spots and develop strategies for leading with authenticity and purpose.
We also offer training workshops on topics that link to this style of leadership excellence, such as Managing Mental Health and Wellbeing at Work, The Benefits of Authenticity, and Social Wellbeing: The Importance of Real Connection in the Workplace, creating a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. By investing in these skills at all levels of the organisation, companies can create a ripple effect of positive change and growth.
As the business world becomes ever more complex and fast-paced, the need for a new kind of leadership has never been greater. Servant leadership offers a path forward that prioritises people over profits, collaboration over competition, and empowerment over control. By embracing this philosophy, leaders can not only drive better business outcomes, but also create more fulfilling, purposeful workplaces for everyone.
At The Thrive Team, we’re passionate about supporting leadership excellence in organisations around the world. Whether you’re looking to hire your next great leader or develop the potential of your current leadership team, we’re here to help. Get in touch to discover how we can work together to help your leaders move beyond the corner office.