What is servant leadership? 10 principles, characteristics, and examples

Servant leadership is a management approach that emphasizes serving and supporting team members to maximize their potential and achieve organizational success. Originating from Robert K. Greenleaf's 1970 essay "The Servant as Leader," this philosophy has gained popularity for its focus on empathy, active listening, and fostering collaboration. Servant leaders prioritize team development, maintain open communication, and encourage a culture of trust and shared decision-making, which enhances employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. The style contrasts with traditional leadership by prioritizing employee and customer needs over hierarchical authority, resulting in a more inclusive and innovative workplace environment. Notable examples include Jeff Bezos at Amazon, Tony Hsieh at Zappos, and Mary Barra at General Motors, whose leadership has led to transformative organizational success. Adopting servant leadership practices such as supporting learning, recognizing achievements, and promoting cross-functional relationships can help create a positive work atmosphere that drives sustainable growth and development.