I’ve been asked on several occasions about the concept of “Servant Leadership.” and how does it apply to small business. To define the concept, servant leadership is a leadership philosophy that emphasizes the importance of serving others first. It is an approach to leadership that prioritizes the needs and well-being of the team and focuses on empowering and enabling them to achieve their full potential. This leadership style is particularly important for small business owners, like you, who are looking to create a positive and productive work environment. 

One of the key benefits of servant leadership for your small business is that it can help build a strong and cohesive team. By prioritizing the needs of team members, you, the business owner, can create a sense of trust and respect that fosters collaboration and open communication. When team members feel valued and supported, they are more likely to work together effectively and contribute to the success of your business. 

Another important aspect of servant leadership is that it encourages leaders to lead by example. By modeling positive behaviors and attitudes, you can inspire your team members to follow suit. This can include things like being open and transparent, demonstrating empathy and compassion, and taking a genuine interest in the well-being of your team members. When you lead by example, they set the tone for the entire business and help create a culture of positivity and collaboration. 

Servant leadership also emphasizes the importance of empowering your team members to take ownership of their work and to make decisions. This can be especially important for your business as you probably do not have the resources to micromanage every aspect of your business. By giving your team members the autonomy and authority to make decisions, you can create a more agile and responsive business that is better equipped to adapt to changing circumstances. 

Finally, servant leadership can help your business create a more sustainable and resilient organization. By prioritizing the well-being of team members and creating a positive work environment, business owners can improve employee retention. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, higher morale, and a more engaged workforce. In addition, by empowering team members to take ownership of their work and to make decisions, you can create a more adaptable and flexible business that is better able to weather challenges and uncertainty. 

Servant leadership is a leadership style that emphasizes the importance of serving others first. For small business owners, this approach to leadership can help build a strong and cohesive team, inspire positive behaviors and attitudes, empower team members to take ownership of their work, and create a more sustainable and resilient organization. If you want to know more about servant leadership, the expert in this field is Dr. Scott Myers. Visit his website at https://drscottmyers.com  

Kevin Weir - 5/3/2023