As we look ahead to 2023, one thing is certain: finding \u2013 and keeping \u2013 the right employees is going to continue to be tougher than ever. You can tweak your benefits, offer more money and give people the option to work remotely, but there\u2019s something else you might need to consider: leadership styles. Company culture has become increasingly important and it starts at the top. No one wants to work for a crappy boss.<\/p>\n

There are endless philosophies about leadership styles, but today, in the spirit of the holiday season, we\u2019re going to talk about Servant Leadership. While this non-traditional leadership style was coined by Robert Greenleaf in 1970, the workplace preferences of Generation Z and Millennial employees has brought Servant Leaders forefront. While previous generations have been OK with clocking in, clocking out and going home, younger employees want engagement and feedback. They want to feel like their company cares about them as people<\/a>. So what does it mean to be a servant leader? And is this a style that might benefit you and your company?<\/p>\n

According to Greenleaf\u2019s organizational website, a servant leader is someone who is a servant first:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead \u2026 The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people\u2019s highest priority needs are being served. The best test, and difficult to administer, is: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? And, what is the effect on the least privileged in society? Will they benefit or at least not be further deprived? A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong,\u201d the site said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the \u2018top of the pyramid,\u2019 servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible,\u201d it continues.<\/p>\n

Servant leadership is increasing important to company culture because it creates a nurturing environment in which employees feel valued, respected and appreciated. If your business is a company where worker bees clock in, clock out and move on, then traditional leadership is probably fine. But if you run a company where you want employees who do their best work<\/a> to grow your company, servant leadership might be a better option.<\/p>\n

Here are three ways you can migrate toward being a servant leader:<\/p>\n

Listen<\/strong>: People want to be heard and to feel like what they are saying is actually being heard. Close your computer, put down your phone, make eye contact, don\u2019t interrupt, ask good questions be empathetic. Once you\u2019ve heard what\u2019s been said, take it to heart and be careful and honest about your next steps. Sometimes people just need an ear, but often \u2013 if someone is taking their concerns or suggestions to leadership \u2013 they want something to change.<\/p>\n

Appreciate<\/strong>: Employees want to feel like they are making an impact. You don\u2019t have to offer bonuses at the end of the year or take someone out to lunch every week, but you should make time to recognize people for the work they\u2019re doing and the impact they are making on your business, your team and your bottom line. Say thank you. Bring in donuts. Write them a personal thank you card. Call them out at staff meetings. Whatever fits your style, find ways to show your appreciation outside a paycheck.<\/p>\n

Trust<\/strong>: Servant leaders are most definitely not micromanagers. Hire great people, train them and then trust them to do their best work. Put them at the front of the line while you lead from the back. Hand them to reins so you can step back and focus on strategy and growth. \u2018<\/p>\n

If you need help skilling up your managers<\/a> or changing your own leadership style, your local Growth Coach can help! Find a coach online at https:\/\/www.thegrowthcoach.com\/find-a-coach<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As we look ahead to 2023, one thing is certain: finding \u2013 and keeping \u2013 the right employees is going to continue to be tougher than ever. You can tweak your benefits, offer more money and give people the option to work remotely, but there\u2019s something else you might need to consider: leadership styles. Company […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":142,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,19],"tags":[855,913,871,860,863,897,864,888,1274,1275,950,865,928,937,867,962,882,1065],"class_list":["post-2212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-coaching","category-leadership","tag-benefits-of-business-coaching","tag-business","tag-business-blog","tag-business-owner-mindset","tag-entrepreneur","tag-growth-coach","tag-leadership","tag-management","tag-servant-leader","tag-servant-leadership","tag-small-business-leader","tag-small-business-management","tag-small-business-owner","tag-strategic-business-owner","tag-strategic-mindset","tag-strategic-thinking","tag-team-building","tag-work-life-balance"],"yoast_head":"\n