Leading with Heart: Small Business Tactics for Servant Leadership
<p>Developed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_K._Greenleaf" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Robert K. Greenleaf</a> in the 1970s, <a href="https://www.greenleaf.org/what-is-servant-leadership/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">servant leadership</a> is a management approach that has steadily gained recognition for its ability to transform organizational culture. In small businesses, this leadership style can be a huge benefit for managers looking to improve employee morale and productivity.</p>
<p>This guide looks at the power of servant leadership, explores its benefits for managers, employees, and businesses, and provides strategies to leverage this technique in your small or medium-sized business (SMB).</p>
<h2>Understanding Servant Leadership</h2>
<p>Servant leadership, which places the needs of others above personal interests, was introduced by Greenleaf in his influential 1970 essay, “<a href="http://www.ediguys.net/Robert_K_Greenleaf_The_Servant_as_Leader.pdf" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">The Servant as Leader</a>.” Drawing inspiration from the empathetic teachings of Jesus Christ, the writings of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Lao Tzu</a>, social scientists, and management theorist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_McGregor" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">Douglas McGregor</a>, Greenleaf recognized that the most effective leaders are those who serve the needs of their followers.</p>
<p>When managers genuinely prioritize the well-being and success of employees, they’re more likely to understand and cater to their needs, challenges, and aspirations. This leadership style involves a firm commitment to the personal growth of team members and can be summarized by a few key principles. According to the theory, the most effective leaders:</p>
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