What do you believe to be the secret of a successful team? In this industry, we’ll sometimes work with teams both near and far to help reach a higher goal. 

We’ll experience a series of strategies that work well for us and a series of strategies that don’t, but after years of working in this industry, I’ve learned that the true secret to the success of any team is servant leadership.

If you’re working with a team that isn’t performing the way you’d like but you know the team possesses the skills and the capabilities to do so, here’s why servant leadership could be the key to you and your team’s success. 

What is servant leadership?

Servant leadership is when you, as a leader, a company or culture puts others first before yourself. It’s adapting the mentality that you will go the extra mile and do whatever it takes for your team to thrive. 

Servant leadership takes titles, and the idea that you’re higher or lower than anyone out of the picture. It’s a mentality that when you, as a leader, take care of your team members and put them first before all else, success will follow. 

If you’ve never heard of servant leadership before and have a history of working on a team, it can be a difficult concept to wrap your head around. 

We’re often taught that for a team to be successful it takes everyone to work together. While that still holds a lot of truth, there are some benefits to servant leadership that can help you maximize your team’s productivity and true potential. 

Benefits to being a servant leader

If your team is falling short in terms of their performance, here are some reasons why servant leadership can benefit your team.

It creates a more productive team

When you as a leader take the initiative and put the members of your team first, it makes them feel valued and appreciated. You’re showing them a sense of selflessness on your part and acknowledging that their role matters. 

By doing this and making them feel cared for, they’re much more likely going to want to reciprocate that back to you. They’re going to do whatever it takes to meet all needs, whether that’s staying an extra hour at work, putting in extra effort, and doing more because of how you made them feel.

It creates an impactful culture and environment

Being a leader that puts their team members first has an impact on the entire culture. It’s something that the team members you are supporting will never forget. 

You’re working to create a culture that celebrates the importance of valuing one another which in turn allows everyone to win. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a team like that?  

It brings your team together

For high performing teams, it’s essential that everyone feels valued and supported in their role. All team members each have their own unique set of skills that all play a special part in making things happen. A servant leader serves as the glue that holds your team together. 

As a servant leader you’re giving space for each team member to have a voice. You’re letting them realize that no one wins until everyone’s contributions are recognized and acknowledged. As a result, your team members start working together for a common goal which is what true teamwork is all about.

I want to encourage you to think about how you can be a great servant leader to your team. What aspects of your team can you work on or strengthen to make things happen? As a leader, you hold a lot of impact, and have the power to turn the dreams of your organization into a reality.

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