While making money is the primary goal of a business, making a difference is the primary mission of a servant leader, and both require great leadership. Servant leaders recognize that it’s not all about them or the money — they love to serve others because they get a deep joy from helping people grow and making a positive impact in their lives. By serving others, servant leaders build a healthier culture and a more-productive business that creates a bigger bottom line and a happier workplace. Below are a few insights into the servant leaders state of mind that hopefully will help you improve the impact you have on the people you serve.
The Stakes are High — Servant leaders recognize the stakes are high because they are responsible for the well-being of so many people and their families. They are not just trying to help people make money; they want to make a difference in their lives, marriages, family and relationships. So, they take it personally.
It’s Personal — “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Servant leaders take it personally because they love what they do and the people they do it with and for. They get deep satisfaction from solving people’s problems and making everything better for those around them. Their selfless nature engenders trust and models how their team should see and serve their customers.
Mind Your Mind — Successful leaders realize that we need to “mind our mind” because it is the author of our feelings, actions and outcomes. Henry Ford said, “If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right.” Having a positive outlook is how leaders keep their heads above the clouds of fear and doubt that cause too many people to quit, sometimes even before they try. Having the right mindset also helps leaders turn adversity into their advantage by learning from their mistakes so they continue to get better.
See the Best — Great leaders bring out the best in people and situations because they look for the best in them. While they accept people where they are, they don’t leave them there; they challenge and equip them to become the best version of themselves, which is often better than they ever thought they could be.
Forever Student — Great leaders are forever students, addicted to learning, growing and improving in all areas of their life. They believe the best way to help others is to improve themselves. They view every circumstance as a classroom and every person they meet as a teacher. They turn today’s failures into lessons learned to help them succeed tomorrow. Servant leaders share what they learn through their positive example and by investing their time to educate others. Ultimately, the best teachers are the best students because you can’t teach what you don’t know.
Difference Makers
Servant leaders are not solely interested in making a living — they are driven to make a difference. They are passionate about what they do, why they do it and who they do it for. As a result, they build happier, more profitable companies where people love to work.
Sean Wolfington
