This Mindset Will Change Your Leadership Forever

Servant leadership is a bit of a buzzword these days, and at Maxwell Leadership we’re all about it. But before you can truly be a servant leader, it’s essential we grasp what a servant leader mindset is all about. Trying to practice servant leadership without adopting the servant mindset is pointless. But getting it right changes everything! 

A servant leader approach is, for the most part, the opposite of a traditional leadership model. Leaders tend to either lead the way they were led, or how they want to be led. And they end up leading with a results-driven bottom line in the forefront of their mind. 

But a servant leader mindset flips that approach on its head. Instead, it’s intentionally making a selfless commitment to your organization and teammates. It’s focusing on your team and how to make them successful.

Adopting this mindset may not come naturally, and that’s okay. Most likely, there’s a big gap between your intent as a leader and how you’re being perceived by your team. But it’s our job as leaders to close that gap. Intentionally and consistently practicing the following three things over time will turn you into an exceptional servant leader.

1. BE PRESENT.

Focusing on results at the expense of people misses the mark. When meeting with team members, say to yourself, “Right now, I want to be present for this conversation. There might be a thousand other things going on, but the most important thing right now is this conversation with this person.” It may not feel natural at first, but over time it will get easier. So, when meeting with someone, in person or on Zoom, resist the urge to check email, take a call, shout out to a passerby—be locked in on the person in front of you.

2. ENCOURAGE GROWTH.

A rising tide lifts all boats. As a servant leader, being dedicated to the personal and professional growth of every team member accomplishes this. Instead of focusing on a handful of the team, servant leaders invest in everyone’s strengths and gifts. Being able to do this while also caring for the overall well-being of the team fosters empathy, growth, and loyalty. When team members know you care, they care about what you know. And when they know you care, they’ll follow anywhere you lead.

3. CELEBRATE WINS.

Take time to celebrate the small wins, as well as the big ones. This shows your team that what they do in your organization matters. It also encourages them to stay committed to the next challenge they face. And taking a minute to celebrate acts as a reminder to you as the leader to keep your eyes open to where your team contributes—you just might end up seeing more than you originally anticipated.

You can absolutely lead your team and serve your team at the same time. What are some other ways you’ve developed a servant leader mindset?

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