Living with integrity means you don’t have to fake it anymore.

Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that prioritizes the well-being and development of team members over the leader’s interests. This is not new, and it’s not special, but it is the way it contrasts with other leadership styles that may focus more on hierarchical power dynamics or individual achievements.

When we get it right, benefits come fast and endure because they build your reputation as an individual worthy of trust; one brick at a time. In case you haven’t heard this before, let’s review the benefits of servant leadership over other forms of leadership:

Benefits of Servant Leadership

1. Enhanced Employee Engagement: Servant leadership fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, leading to higher levels of employee engagement and job satisfaction. Employees feel valued and appreciated, which increases their motivation and commitment (van Dierendonck, 2011).

2. Increased Trust and Collaboration: By prioritizing the needs of employees and promoting a culture of trust and collaboration, servant leadership can enhance teamwork and collective problem-solving. This approach reduces internal competition and encourages open communication (Joseph & Winston, 2005).

3. Improved Organizational Performance: Organizations led by servant leaders often see improvements in overall performance. This is due to increased employee loyalty, lower turnover rates, and higher levels of innovation as employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and take ownership of their work (Hunter et al., 2013).

4. Personal and Professional Growth: Servant leadership focuses on the development and well-being of employees, which leads to personal and professional growth. This investment in people results in a more skilled and capable workforce, enhancing the organization’s ability to adapt and thrive (Liden et al., 2008).

5. Higher Ethical Standards: Servant leaders typically model ethical behavior and integrity, fostering an organizational culture that values ethical decision-making and social responsibility. This can enhance the organization’s reputation and build stronger relationships with stakeholders (Ehrhart, 2004).

6. Resilient and Adaptive Organizations: Servant leadership encourages a participative and empowering environment, making organizations more resilient and adaptive to change. Employees are more likely to embrace change and contribute positively to organizational transformation (Van Dierendonck & Nuijten, 2011).

Final Thoughts

Servant leadership offers significant benefits over other forms of leadership by enhancing employee engagement, fostering trust and collaboration, improving organizational performance, promoting personal and professional growth, maintaining high ethical standards, and creating resilient and adaptive organizations.