Stop saying Servant Leader

Servant leadership is a popular leadership styles that sounds noble in theory – but is often misunderstood and seldom practised correctly. Put your team first, be humble and be empathetic; all sounds great and desirable. But is that truly servant leadership? Let’s unpack this rather popular leadership style, the original idea behind it, what most leaders get it wrong, and how you can do better.

🧠 LEARN something.

To truly grasp any leadership style, we must consider its origins. Rewind to 1970, when a former AT&T executive Robert Greenleaf wrote an essay called “The Servant as Leader.” This concept emerged during an era dominated by management by objectives (or KPIs), making its ‘people-focused’ approach quite revolutionary and popular. The core premise was clear: genuine leadership begins with a desire to serve, fostering growth, strength, and autonomy in others. However, the crucial aspect of enabling growth and autonomy seems to have been lost in modern interpretations. Today, many leaders get fixated on the word “servant”, and literally act as servants to their teams. This often leads to coddling their team, shielding them from discomfort, rescuing them, and taking on too much in an effort to be supportive. While seemingly benevolent, this approach ironically creates dependence, stifles growth, leads to underperformance, and ultimately results in leaders burning out. The second, and a less-understood element, is that servant leadership goes beyond ‘serving people’ to ‘serving a higher purpose’. This could be an organisation’s mission, vision, or strategy benefiting the broader community and stakeholders. So leaders who prioritise their team needs at the expense of the company or strategic needs aren’t truly practising servant leadership – they are just people pleasing. In reality, serving a higher purpose often requires more courage than just pleasing your team.

Now, if you recognise these tendencies in yourself or your leaders, then don’t worry, it’s not inherently bad or negative. Because it indicates your have ample empathy and care; both character strengths we need in our leaders. However, when these strengths are overplayed, they can be become detrimental to you and your team. The most effective servant leaders are fiercely committed to others’ growth and success. This involves challenging them, saying no, setting standards, providing tough feedback, and holding people accountable. Done right, servant leadership is a powerful approach; done wrong, it’s counterproductive.

🤔 REFLECT on an idea.

You can’t lead if your leadership style relies on giving and giving, until you have nothing left to give. Because when you’re empty, how exactly will you lead?

😊 SMILE a little.

“Servant leadership” in action in 2025:
You are still at work at 7pm… rewriting the report that your team member was meant to finish last week, whilst they’ve logged off and gone to Pilates because work life balance is important for their mental health and wellbeing!🤣

✅ DO IT to get results.

Ownership underpins growth, autonomy, and empowerment. Without it, your team won’t develop. If you tend to take on too much, you may be robbing them of that ownership and with that the discomfort they need to grow. Remember, growth isn’t meant to be comfortable. Your job isn’t to remove discomfort, but to coach and guide people through it, so they become more capable. So, try thins in your next 1:1. Instead of saying “How can I support you?” and say: “What’s one area you’d like more ownership in?” Then let go and help them grow!

🌱 How we can support you and your team.

We provide strategic leadership solutions tailored to align with your business strategy, size, and budget. We can support your with:

• 1:1 Leadership and Performance Coaching
• Team Coaching, for high performing teams
• 1:1 Health & Lifestyle Coaching for busy stressed leaders.
• Workshops, offsites and team development.
• Or our flagship individual Leadership Coaching Programs.

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Kenny Bhosale

CEO & Founder, The Bridge Leaders