Do your servant leadership skills align with Mother Nature’s playbook?
As Earth Day approaches, it’s refreshing to see the attention companies and civic organizations are placing on our Earth. Around the globe, people show their passion for the environment and conservation with events like fun runs, recycling drives and educational forums. This Friday, April 22, your company or favorite civic organization may commemorate the day with a tree planting or clean-up activity…a way to honor Mother Nature.
I was thinking recently about the idea of “Mother Nature.” Strong – yet kind. Values everyone – and everything. Commands respect – and gives respect in turn. Is always listening – and persistent. Essentially – the qualities of a servant leader.
Over the past decade or so, the concept of servant leadership has come into vogue. The idea of servant leadership turns the typical corporate hierarchy on its head. Rather than employees serving their bosses, the bosses serve their people.
In his book, The Culture Engine, organizational consultant S. Chris Edmonds defines servant leadership as the foundation for leading others effectively. According to Edmonds, “…servant leadership is a person’s dedication to helping others be their best selves as home, work and in their community.”
But to many, this concept runs counter to a successful leader – or company. We may invoke the image of a successful, powerhouse company that is driven by the prototypical hammer-fisted boss who commands action from his team. While that perception might have been true in the 50s/60s/70s, it doesn’t work in today’s economy – or with today’s workforce. Today’s workforce demands respect, collaboration, trust – and, more importantly – inspiration. Traits found in a servant leader – not a leader looking for servants!
Consider these successful companies – Chick-fil-A, Home Depot, Best Buy, UPS, Ritz Carlton, Whole Foods, and Southwest Airlines – and the servant leader culture that guides them. What makes a good servant leader? Do you possess these characteristics – and do you choose to use them as you lead your teams?
Lead with respect
A servant leader believe every person has value and deserves civility, trust and respect. Respect and trust that is freely given. From the assembly line worker to the senior executive, a servant leader believes that each employee has an important role and brings value to the overall company.
Lead with inspiration
People can accomplish much when inspired by a purpose beyond themselves. Servant leaders inspire their teams to set aside self-serving behaviors in favor of serving others – whether it’s the customer or another team member. They achieve this through their words and actions, and they encourage their people to do the same.
Lead with accountability
No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. Servant leaders embrace this concept – and apply it to themselves. However, they still push for high standards, work quality, and alignment of values throughout the team. They hold themselves – and their people – accountable for their performance.
Lead by listening
The old adage of “two ears – one mouth” is a key concept for servant leaders. These leaders really listen to their people and solicit their input. Employee feedback is valued – and acted upon – creating a culture of collaboration and teamwork.
Lead with persistence
“If you don’t succeed, try, try again.” A simplistic thought, but a belief embraced by servant leaders. No matter how much time it takes to understand an employee’s position or a complex situation, these leaders are invested in getting to the heart of the matter.
So how do I correlate Mother Nature with servant leadership? My rose garden is a perfect example. Through some trial and error, Mother Nature showed me where I needed to plant the roses to maximize their blooms. If I failed to water them properly, they wilted and looked pitiful. I listened to their inbred cycles – when to fertilize, when to dead head and what canes to remove. Their thorns reminded me to respect them – even as I was cutting them for their beautiful blooms. I was responsible for their success.
As Earth Day approaches, consider your servant leadership qualities and take a page from Mother Nature’s playbook.