Ethan, The Struggling Manager
Ethan was a young, ambitious manager at a burgeoning tech company. Fresh out of business school, he was eager to make his mark. Armed with the latest management theories and a drive to succeed, he believed he was ready to lead his team to new heights. However, as the weeks turned into months, Ethan found himself struggling to build trust and rapport with his team.
His initial approach was directive and authoritative. He believed that by asserting control and demonstrating his knowledge, he would earn his team’s respect. Instead, his team felt alienated and undervalued. They were reluctant to share ideas, and the office atmosphere grew tense. Ethan’s frustration grew as he watched team morale and productivity decline.
One day, Ethan’s mentor, Mr. Thompson, invited him for a coffee chat. Mr. Thompson had been a manager in the company for over 20 years and was well-respected by everyone. Seeing Ethan’s struggle, he offered some advice. “Ethan,” he said, “Leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge. Have you heard of servant leadership?”
Ethan shook his head. Mr. Thompson continued, “Servant leadership is a philosophy where the main goal of the leader is to serve. It’s about putting the needs of your team first and helping them develop and perform as highly as possible.”
Curious, Ethan decided to learn more. He picked up a book by Ken Blanchard, a renowned advocate of servant leadership. One quote, in particular, stood out to him: “Servant leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win.” Blanchard’s words resonated deeply with Ethan. He realized he had been focusing too much on asserting his authority rather than supporting his team.
Ethan decided to change his approach. He started by having one-on-one meetings with each team member, not to give orders but to listen. He asked them about their goals, challenges, and ideas for improving the team’s workflow. He practiced active listening, ensuring each person felt heard and valued.
He also began to delegate responsibilities, showing trust in his team’s abilities. He encouraged collaboration and openly recognized individual contributions. By doing this, he aimed to create an environment where everyone felt empowered and motivated.
Ken Blanchard’s words guided him: “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” Ethan made it a point to influence through support and encouragement rather than command and control. He provided resources, removed obstacles, and celebrated successes, no matter how small.
Slowly but surely, Ethan noticed a change. His team became more engaged and proactive. They started to trust him and were more willing to share innovative ideas. The office atmosphere transformed from one of tension to one of collaboration and mutual respect.
Ethan’s journey wasn’t easy, but it was profoundly rewarding. He learned that being a leader wasn’t about being the smartest person in the room but about fostering a culture of trust and support. Through servant leadership, he not only built a more cohesive and productive team but also grew as a leader and a person.
Ethan’s story is a testament to the power of servant leadership. By putting the needs of his team first and focusing on their development and well-being, he built a foundation of trust and respect that led to lasting success. As Ken Blanchard aptly puts it, “Servant leadership is the only way to go if you want to create a high-performing team.
Building a Culture of Care and Integrity
In today’s fast-paced business world, the most successful leaders are those who serve with care and integrity. Servant leadership, a philosophy popularized by Robert Greenleaf, emphasizes the importance of putting the needs of others first and helping them develop and perform as highly as possible. By adopting servant leadership, organizations can create a culture where both the vision and mission are pursued with passion, while employees feel valued and empowered. As John Maxwell states, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
What is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership is about prioritizing the growth and well-being of employees. Ken Blanchard, a prominent advocate of this leadership style, defines it as “all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win.” Instead of wielding power from the top, servant leaders share power, put the needs of their team first, and help people develop and perform as highly as possible.
Implementing Servant Leadership in Your Organization
- Listen Actively
- Create regular one-on-one meetings with team members to listen to their concerns, ideas, and feedback. This practice shows that you value their input and are committed to their personal and professional growth.
- “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” – John Maxwell
- Empower and Trust Your Team
- Delegate meaningful tasks that allow employees to take ownership and make decisions. Trust them to handle responsibilities and provide the necessary resources and support.
- “The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.” – Ken Blanchard
- Provide Resources and Remove Obstacles
- Identify and eliminate barriers that prevent your team from achieving their goals. This might involve securing additional resources, streamlining processes, or advocating for your team within the organization.
- “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” – John Maxwell
- Celebrate Successes and Learn from Failures
- Recognize and celebrate the achievements of your team, both big and small. Use failures as learning opportunities and encourage a culture of continuous improvement.
- “Catch people doing things right.” – Ken Blanchard
- Commit to Personal Growth and Development
- Encourage and support your team in their pursuit of professional development opportunities. Lead by example by continuously seeking ways to grow and improve as a leader.
- “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.” – John Maxwell
Balancing Vision and Service
A servant leader can effectively follow the vision and mission of the organization while serving those they lead. By aligning the team’s goals with the organization’s vision, servant leaders ensure that everyone is moving in the same direction. They inspire their teams by demonstrating commitment to the organization’s mission and by fostering an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration.
If you’re ready to transform your leadership style and cultivate a culture of care and integrity within your organization, consider working with Terry Porter, a certified Executive Coach. Terry can help you develop the skills necessary to become an effective servant leader, ensuring both your personal growth and the success of your team.
Contact Terry Porter today to start your journey toward becoming a servant leader who inspires trust, empowers teams, and drives organizational success.
Contact Information:
- Website: Terry-Porter.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (231) 499-9069
Embrace servant leadership and lead with care and integrity. Your team, and your organization, will thank you for it.
