How Servant Leaders Build Trust and Engagement

November 5, 2024

Servant leadership means forgoing personal ambitions and channeling energy to help team members grow, be heard, and act with purpose and commitment. Emphasizing the team over oneself nurtures a culture of ownership, resulting in excellence and collective performance. In this article, I’ll share four pillars of servant leadership that build trust and engagement, drawn from my experience and insights from others that have resonated with me.

Empathy and Empathic Listening

While empathic listening uses empathy to completely connect with what someone is saying, empathy is comprehending and sharing the feelings of others. Active listening involves more than just hearing; it also entails consciously taking into account the perspective of the other person and understanding how and why they feel the way they do. By putting ourselves in another person's position, we appreciate their viewpoint and create a basis for discussion, constructive criticism, and feedback. Whether or not there is agreement, this method produces true understanding by overcoming disagreements and elucidating objectives.

Empowerment

Instead of clinging to power, servant leaders embrace empowerment by cultivating a culture of team ownership. Team members often become disengaged when leaders abuse their power because they believe they are only carrying out orders. Rather, empowering team members to take charge and make choices fosters their dedication and inventiveness. They care a great deal about their work and are driven to achieve perfection when they have a sense of ownership—qualities that distinguish genuinely exceptional teams.

Integrity

Warren Bennis famously said, "The leader does the right thing; the manager does things right." As leaders, our teams turn on us for integrity and direction in addition to work. When leaders exhibit credibility by acting morally and consistently in all of their interactions, trust is developed. Walking your talk sets a strong example for the team and fosters enduring trust and respect. A solid reputation may be lost in an instant, but it takes a lifetime to establish.

Team Development

The adage "If you're not growing, you're dying" has never been truer in the modern world of frequent disruptions and quick technical development. It is our duty as leaders to provide our teams with the resources and instruction they require to succeed. Developing abilities and encouraging lifelong learning results in progress and increased preparedness for future possibilities. A culture of development draws in fresh talent and guarantees continued greatness, even though team members may leave to pursue other pursuits. Putting money into people's development fortifies the group and creates a lasting legacy.

Make your team heard, let them own their work, live by your values, and constantly identify opportunities to make them better. You will not be disappointed.