10 Marks of a humbletough Leader
The chief aim of a leader is to serve, not to be served.
Effective leadership is more crucial than ever. But what does it mean to be a truly great leader? The answer lies in servant leadership, a philosophy that prioritizes the team's needs.
Here are ten marks—ten actionable steps and litmus tests to become a leader who serves and supports their team:
1. Listen actively and empathetically
Effective communication starts with listening. Practice active listening by giving your full attention to team members when they speak. Ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand their perspective. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and experiences. This approach helps build trust and makes your team feel valued.
Essential Question: Do you ask follow-up questions? How much of the talking do you do in small meetings? It’s hard to listen when you’re doing the talking.
2. Empower your team members
A servant leader doesn't hoard power but shares it. Delegate meaningful tasks and responsibilities to your team members. Provide them with the resources and authority needed to succeed in these tasks. Encourage autonomy and decision-making at all levels. This empowerment not only develops your team's skills but also boosts their confidence and job satisfaction.
Essential Question: When your team asks questions, do you default to telling them what to do, or do you remind them of the parameters/requirements and reinforce that you’ll trust their decision within those parameters?
3. Prioritize professional development
Invest in your team's growth. Regularly discuss career goals with each team member and help them identify and create a plan to achieve these goals. It’s not your job to make the plan or vision; it is your job to open doors so their path is as straightforward as possible! Provide opportunities for skill-building and learning through training programs, mentorship, conferences, or challenging assignments. Offer mentorship yourself or connect team members with mentors who can guide their professional development.
Essential Question: Do you know your team's interests and passions? Do you know what they hope to achieve and learn in their current role? If not, get busy and get curious!
4. Lead by example
As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate the work ethic and values you expect from your team. Be transparent about your own challenges and growth areas. When you make mistakes, take responsibility, apologize, and show your team how to humbly learn and grow through errors. This vulnerability and authenticity will inspire your team to do the same.
Essential Question: When did you last make a mistake that impacted your team? Did you humbly apologize? If not, you create an environment where your ego matters more than results and honesty. Oof.
5. Recognize and appreciate efforts
Appreciation goes a long way in motivating a team. Regularly acknowledge both individual and team accomplishments. Offer specific, sincere praise for good work— don't just say "good job," but explain what was good and why it matters. Celebrate milestones and successes as a team to foster a sense of unity and shared achievement. Affirmation is fuel for the soul!
Essential Question: Does your team know what you admire and respect? Do they know what steps they can take to earn your affirmation? If you don’t talk about what’s good and honorable, they won’t know how to achieve it.
6. Foster a positive work environment
The atmosphere you create significantly impacts your team's performance and well-being. Encourage open communication and collaboration among team members. Address conflicts promptly and fairly to maintain harmony. Respect personal time and be flexible to promote work-life balance and employee well-being.
Essential Question: When a disagreement arises, do you seek clarification—digging deeper into the tension, or do you seek to silence it? Open communication is vital to a healthy team.
7. Seek and act on feedback
A servant leader is constantly learning and improving. Regularly ask your team for feedback on your leadership style. Be open to constructive criticism and show that you value their input. Most importantly, implement changes based on the feedback you receive. This demonstrates that you truly listen and care about your team's opinions.
Essential Question: Are you regularly asking what you could do better or how to better serve your team’s needs? Once feedback is given (it won’t come right away!), express gratitude, ask a follow-up question, and act on it immediately! Never dismiss input, even if it’s unhelpful or old news.
8. Remove obstacles for your team
Part of serving your team is making their work easier. Identify and address roadblocks that hinder productivity. This might involve advocating for your team's needs with upper management, streamlining processes, or providing necessary tools and resources. By clearing the path, you allow your team to focus on their core responsibilities and perform at their best.
Essential Question: Does your team see that what pains them pains you, too? If not, this creates separation and “classism” in the workplace. Care about what matters to your team—and lend a hand (or two)!
9. Show genuine care for your team members
Remember that your team members are people first and employees second (or third!). Take an interest in their lives outside of work. Offer support during personal challenges. Remember important details about each team member, like their hobbies or family situations. This personal touch helps build stronger relationships and a more cohesive team. The trick for remembering: Actually caring.
Essential Question: Do you ask how so-and-so is doing after a challenge or difficult life circumstance? Do you make it a point to follow up or check in again later? If not, your team is learning that you care only about results, not about them as people—and burnout will follow.
10. Continuously improve your leadership skills
Servant leadership is a journey, not a destination. Stay updated on leadership trends and best practices. Attend leadership workshops or conferences to learn new skills and perspectives. Read books on servant leadership and management. The more you grow as a leader, the better you can serve your team.
Essential Question: You can’t improve if you aren’t trying. What actions, disciplines, or behaviors would you point toward as evidence that you’re working to improve as a servant leader?
Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can transform your leadership approach to one that truly serves and supports your team. Remember, servant leadership is not about being weak, no longer having an opinion, or letting others dominate you. It's about creating a strong, motivated team by (often sacrificially) putting their needs first and helping them reach their full potential.
As always,
Stay humble. Hang tough.
~
25 Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. 26 It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:25-28 CSB