Leading the Way: Mastering Servant Leadership in a Changing World

We have all been there. The ebb and flow, the ups and downs, the lows and highs of a job. As a leader, our job is to protect, encourage, armor up, protect, and get workers a place they can authentically thrive with trust and autonomy. So, let's discuss a topic that affects us all - leadership and culture.

Bad leadership and toxic cultural issues can harm a company's success and its employees' well-being and satisfaction.

Top five problems with bad leaders and culture:

1. Lack of clear communication and direction
2. Lack of trust and respect between leaders and employees
3. Inadequate support and resources for employees to succeed
4. Failure to address and correct toxic behaviors within the company
5. Inability to adapt and evolve with changing market trends

Workers need leaders who are transparent, empathetic, and empowering. They need a culture that encourages growth, innovation, and collaboration.

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

To address these issues, it's important to establish clear communication channels, build trust and respect through open and honest dialogue, provide necessary resources and support for employee success, address and eliminate toxic behaviors, and continuously adapt and evolve to meet changing market trends.

Organizations like the Center for Creative Leadership and the International Coach Federation offer resources and training for leaders to improve their skills and create a positive and productive work culture.

I know it can be easy to get caught up in the negative, but let's not forget the power of a great leader. With the right mindset and tools, bad leaders have the potential to become great leaders. It all starts with self-awareness and a willingness to improve. So, let's commit to being the best leaders we can be, and create a culture where everyone can thrive."Now that we understand the problems that bad leaders and toxic culture can cause, let's talk about how we can take action to improve workers' lives during difficult times. Here are five steps to better the lives of workers through authentic, emotionally intelligent, self-aware, thoughtful, and servant leadership:

1. Practice self-awareness and emotional intelligence: "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." - Ronald Reagan. Understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as being able to recognize and respond to the emotions of others, is crucial to being an effective leader. Resources such as the Harvard Business Review and the Emotional Intelligence Network can guide emotional intelligence development.
2. Communicate openly and transparently: "The most powerful leadership tool you have is your example." - John Wooden. Clear and open communication is vital to building trust and fostering a positive work culture. Organizations like the International Association of Business Communicators and the Institute of Management can provide resources and training on effective communication.
3. Lead with empathy and compassion: "The best leaders have a high Consideration Factor. They care about their people." - Brian Tracy. Empathy and compassion are key to building strong relationships with employees and creating a culture of support and understanding. The Center for Creative Leadership and the Society for Human Resource Management offer resources and training on empathy and compassion in leadership.
4. Prioritize employee well-being: "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." - Ronald Reagan. Employee well-being should be a top priority for leaders, especially during difficult times. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association can guide in promoting employee well-being.
5. Lead by example: "The greatest leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with what they call 'the best people,' with those who are smarter than they are." - John C. Maxwell. As a leader, it's important to lead by example and set the standard for the behavior and attitudes you expect from your employees. The Servant Leadership Institute and the International Coach Federation provide resources and training on servant leadership.

Leaders can create a positive and productive work culture by implementing these steps, even during difficult times. Remember, leadership is not about power or control, it's about service and support. So let's commit to being the best leaders we can be, and work towards creating a better future for all.

A LETTER TO LEADERS AROUND THE WORLD: WE ARE MORE THAN JUST A TITLE, AND THE WORKERS ARE MORE THAN THE WORK

Dear Leaders around the world,

I want to write to you today about leadership and its power to change lives, not only of those in the position of leadership but of every single person in an organization.

We all have the potential to be great leaders, but it's essential to understand that authentic leadership starts with the heart, not the mind. It's about serving others, putting their needs before our own, and creating a positive impact in the world.

As a leader, you can shape the culture of an organization and the lives of those within it. It is important to remember that the accurate measure of a leader is not their power or success but their ability to impact the lives of those they lead positively.

But unfortunately, not all leaders are created equal. Some leaders focus solely on their success and power, and in doing so, they negatively impact their workers' lives. These "shadow" leaders cast a dark cloud over their organizations and those within them.

The "shadow" of a leader can refer to two things: a negative shadow and a positive one.

This kind of leader is called a "negative shadow" because they cast a dark cloud over the organization and its people. A negative shadow of a leader is someone who focuses solely on their success and power and, in doing so, negatively impacts the lives of their workers. These leaders are often self-centered and lack empathy for the people they lead. They may create a toxic work environment where employees feel undervalued, unsupported, and disrespected.

On the other hand, a positive shadow of a leader is someone who leads by example and sets an inspiring and empowering standard for their workers to follow. This kind of leader is a role model and is often admired and respected by their workers. They create a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and heard.

In summary, a negative shadow of a leader is someone who creates a negative impact on the lives of their workers. In contrast, a positive shadow of a leader is someone who makes a positive impact on the lives of their workers and leads by example.

Some leaders choose to lead from a place of service, putting the needs of their workers before their own. These are the "servant leaders" who understand that true success comes from the success and well-being of those they lead.

You can create a positive and empowering culture within your organization as a servant leader. And this starts with leading from behind, allowing your workers to take the lead and grow in their roles. This is the opposite and command and control; this is train and release, Trust. Autonomy. True leadership.

"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the most significant things. He is the one that gets the people to do the most important things." - Ronald Reagan.

Leading from behind is not about relinquishing control but empowering others to take control and reach their full potential. It's about creating an environment where workers feel valued, supported, trusted, free to experience and fail, and to be heard.

"The true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis." - Brian Tracy.

In times of crisis, leaders need to step up and provide guidance, support, and a sense of stability. But it's also important to remember that every organization member plays a crucial role in navigating difficult times.

"The best leaders are those most interested in surrounding themselves with what they call 'A Players.' They're focused on building an organization of leaders at every level." - John C. Maxwell

As a leader, it's essential to surround yourself with driven, passionate individuals who have the potential to become leaders themselves. And when you invest in the growth and development of your workers, they will invest their time, energy, and loyalty into the organization.

"The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers." - Ralph Nader.

A "true leader" is approachable, listens to, and understands the needs of their workers. They reach out and care for the soul of their workers, not just the task at hand. And when a leader cares, it creates a ripple effect that spreads throughout the organization.

"A good leader takes a little more than their share of the blame, a little less than their share of the credit." - Arnold H. Glow.

As a leader, you must be responsible for your organization's success and failure. And when things go wrong, true leader doesn't point fin doesn't place blame; they take responsibility and find a solution.

"The most powerful" leadership tool you have is your example." - John Wooden.

A true leader leads by example. They embody the values and principles that they want to see in their organization.

THE MAGIC OF A LEADER THAT CAME FROM THE BOTTOM AND NEVER FORGOT HOW BLESSED THEY ARE.

"Leadership is not a title or a position; it's a mindset and a way of being. True leaders have come from the bottom up, always retained sight of what it was like to be at the bottom, and are driven by a passion for helping others succeed. These leaders are authentic, approachable, and treat others as equals, always striving to positively impact those around them, even as they climb to the top."

1. Leaders who have come from the bottom up have a unique perspective on their team members' challenges and struggles. They understand the importance of hard work, perseverance, and determination, and they can empathize with the struggles that their team members are going through.
2. They always maintain sight of what it is like to be at the bottom and always strive to help others reach their full potential. They understand that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and they can adapt their leadership style to support each best.
3. A passion for their work drives these leaders, and they have a deep sense of purpose that guides everything they do. They are genuinely invested in the success of their team members, and they are always looking for ways to help them grow and succeed.
4. They are authentic and approachable and always willing to listen and help. They understand that open communication and collaboration are crucial to success, and they are always ready to share their knowledge and expertise with others.
5. They treat everyone as equals, regardless of their position or title. They understand that every team member has something valuable to contribute, and they always look for ways to tap into that potential.
6. They are always looking for ways to help others, even though they are at the top. They understand that leadership is not about power or control but rather empowering others and helping them achieve their goals.
7. They are always looking for ways to improve and are open to feedback and criticism. They understand that there is always room for growth and improvement and are willing to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
8. They lead by example and are always willing to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty. They understand that authentic leadership is about taking action and leading by example rather than simply giving orders.
9. They understand that leadership is not a destination but a journey. They constantly learn and grow, always looking for ways to improve and positively impact the world around them.
10. They are visionary and have a clear vision for where they want to take their team. They understand that a shared vision is critical to success and are always looking for ways to inspire and motivate their team members.
11. They are humble and understand that they cannot do it alone. They know that authentic leadership is about building a solid team, and they are always looking for ways to empower and support their team members.
12. They are passionate about what they do and transmit that to others. They understand that passion is contagious and that it is essential to success.
13. They are creative and always looking for new and innovative ways to solve problems and achieve goals. They understand that creativity is critical to success, and they are always looking for ways to tap into the imagination of their team members.
14. They are resilient and understand that setbacks and failures are an inevitable part of the journey. They can bounce back and keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles they face.
15. They are risk-takers and understand that taking risks is essential to success. They are not afraid to try new things and always look for ways to push the boundaries and achieve more.
16. They are communicators and understand the importance of clear and effective communication. They can articulate their vision and goals clearly, and they can build trust and understanding with their team members.
17. They are empathetic, and they understand the importance of emotional intelligence. They can understand and connect with their team members' feelings and create a positive and supportive work environment.
18. They are decisive and understand the importance of making quick, informed decisions. They can weigh the pros and cons of different options and make decisions that are in the best interest of their team.
19. They are lifelong learners and understand the importance of continuous learning and development. They are always looking for ways to improve their skills and stay on top of the latest trends and technologies.
20. To learn more about this topic, consider reading the following books: "The Servant Leader" by James Autry, "Leadership and Self-Deception" by The Arbinger Institute, "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown, "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek, and "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries.

In conclusion, true leaders have come from the bottom up, always have sight of what it is like to be at the bottom, and are driven by a passion for helping others succeed. These leaders are authentic, approachable, and treat others as equals, always striving to positively impact those around them, even as they climb to the top. Leaders need to have a mindset of continuous learning and growth and always strive to better themselves and their teams.
Now, go change the world!

Dr. Layne McDonald

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