What is servant leadership?

If you had to make a list of the leaders you love and appreciate most, it’s likely that most or all of them were also great servants. It may seem like a contradiction, but those who lead best are also the ones who have learned how to serve those they are leading.

In his book “The Servant”, James C. Hunter explains that effective leaders must know the difference between power and authority. Hunter defines power as the ability to force or coerce someone to do your will, even if they would choose not to, because of your position or your might. Conversely, he defines authority as the skill of getting people to willingly do your will, because of your personal influence.

Servant leaders know that the more power they use, the less they have; however, the more they serve legitimate needs, the more authority they gain. Helping others builds trust and loyalty, while lording over people only creates resentment and indignation.

Learning to serve the needs of the people around you is the key to growing as a leader. In order to effectively do so, you’ll have to carefully discern needs from wants. In “The Servant”, Hunter explains that slaves serve wants, but leaders serve needs. Take time to look into the lives of the people around you. Find ways to help them meet their needs whenever possible, while steering clear of becoming enslaved to someone else’s wants.

It may cost you some time and effort to serve the legitimate needs of the people around you, but the end result will be worth it. As you help others elevate themselves, you will elevate your leadership journey at the same time. The gift you give is service to others; the gift they give back to you is the authority that will propel you to new heights as a trusted leader.

Neck Up Leadership brings together three nationally recognized leadership curriculums into one single source to help you get further faster on your leadership journey. Learn more at neckupleaders.com.