How can you become a great leader? Or, more importantly, how can you become a servant leader?

I introduced the concept of a servant leader in last week’s blog post,  (Link to last week’s blog) this week I am going to explain in more detail how you can become one.

What is a servant leader?

Becoming a servant leader does not mean becoming a servant, or just being a leader, it is a leadership style that will allow you to grow your team faster than you could ever imagine.

If you are a successful servant leader you will empower your team and create an environment where they can flourish, allowing them to perform to the best of their abilities.

Here are 12 qualities that represent a true servant leader, and how you can incorporate them into your leadership skillset:

1. Be confident, trustworthy and show up with a smile

The most important thing a servant leader does is show up, even if they are sick or tired they show up with high energy and a positive attitude.

They consistently build up trust with the people around them and in return they are trusted to lead.

The best way to achieve this is to be transparent with your team, ensure that they are always aware of what you are doing. It is important to define what value means for yourself and for your team.

1. Listen and leave out your own agenda

A servant leader is always curious and keen to listen to their team and doesn’t bring their own agenda to the table.

Listen to what your employees have to say without influencing the outcome of the conversation.

1. Coach your team to help them self-solve

A servant leader should coach their team to help them solve their own problems. They train team members to self-solve to overcome the challenges they face.

When a team member comes to you and let’s you know they are struggling with a task or they have a problem they can’t overcome you can help them to self-solve by coaching them through it.

Ask them open questions: How would you normally solve this problem? Can you look at this problem in a different way?

This will encourage you to achieve a coaching mindset with your team and it’s a great way to help them learn how to solve problems by themselves in the future.

1. Always put the team first

A servant leader always puts their team and their people first.

Embracing this mindset will ensure that you always consider what is most important for the team, as a whole, and don’t focus on your individual needs.

1. Value diversity

It is important for servant leaders to value diversity, not only in the team itself, but in the skillsets of their team members.

Really understand and know that the power of what you want to achieve is in the power of your team and in the power of its diversity.

If we were all the same, firstly it would be boring, but we wouldn’t have different opinions, talents, and skills that we could bring to the team.

Diversity is something to be valued

1. Encourage your team

When things are going well a servant leader commends their team on their great performance. They let their team know when they are doing things right and producing results.

They also recognise when their team needs a push or a little encouragement.

The most important thing to remember when you let your team know they are doing a good job is to speak with authenticity. Let them know you appreciate the fantastic work they did with sincerity.

Give praise when you feel it and mean it, not just because you think you should. This is a great way to help move your team forward and for them to continue to be healthy and deliver well.

FIND OUT MORE

For the next 6 qualities that represent a true servant leader click here.