Servant Leadership: How To Lead With The Heart?
Servant Leadership: How To Lead With The Heart?
Traditionally, leaders are those who has the power and authority to command,
dictate and control what their subordinates need to do, when and how to perform a
given task. Traditional leadership is focused on the accumulation and exercise of
power and attaining the “top of the pyramid.” Sometimes, this approach can be
effective during time-sensitive and urgent projects when employees need someone
to decide quickly to get the job done. However, implementing this strategy for a long
period or permanently adapting this style is not recommended. Authoritarian
leadership also discourages the development of creativity and collaboration among
the employees.
Meanwhile, the servant-leadership approach encourages every individual to
perform at a higher level or to excel in every given task because he/she is being
treated or valued with dignity and respect. The leader is taking effort to gain the
trust of his/her employees and continuously communicate with them to discuss
the meaning and purpose of the organization they work with. A servant-leader is
not just concerned with the growth of his/her company but also with the well-being of
the people and the community where they belong. The servant-leader prioritizes the
needs of others and helps his/her people to grow and improve in all areas including
their profession, knowledge, autonomy and even their health and physical
development. In return, skilled, talented, knowledgeable and motivated employees
are produced to improve the overall operations of the organization.
Always remember that employees are also people who deserve to be
treated humanely no matter what title or job they perform.