In my two decades as a sales leader, I’ve seen various leadership styles come and go, each leaving its own mark on teams and performance. However, one approach stands above the rest—servant leadership. It’s not just a trendy phrase; it’s a philosophy that prioritizes the growth and well-being of your team over the traditional focus on authority and metrics. Through servant leadership, I’ve found that when you truly invest in your people, the results speak for themselves—higher engagement, stronger performance, and a culture that thrives.
In this article, I’ll share what servant leadership truly means and how you can embrace it to drive positive, long-lasting change within your organization. This is the leadership style I strive to embody daily, and it has made a significant difference in how my teams operate and succeed.
Learn More About Eric atwww.EricBoettner.com
Sales Strategy Executive & Coach | Servant Leader 🏆 | Sales Strategy, Sales Operations, Forecasting, Go-To-Market | Data-Driven Decision Maker 📊 | Passionate Storyteller 📚 | I Help Power Teams For Impressive Growth
What is Servant Leadership?
At its core, servant leadership flips the traditional leadership model. Instead of expecting your team to serve you, the leader, you focus on serving them. This philosophy was formalized by Robert Greenleaf in the 1970s and is simple yet powerful: when people feel valued and empowered, they perform at their best.
Servant leaders are deeply committed to the personal and professional growth of their employees, creating a culture of trust and collaboration. When team members are heard and supported, they are more likely to contribute meaningfully, innovate, and stay engaged.
Traditional Leadership vs. Servant Leadership
Traditional leadership tends to revolve around authority and control. Leaders give orders, and teams are expected to follow. In this model, the focus is often on organizational goals rather than individual development.
Servant leadership, by contrast, prioritizes empowering employees to take ownership of their work. Success is measured by the growth and well-being of the team. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
- Focus: Traditional leaders emphasize organizational results. Servant leaders focus on team satisfaction and growth.
- Decision-making: Traditional leaders make decisions unilaterally. Servant leaders seek input and collaboration.
- Power dynamics: Traditional leadership centralizes power. Servant leaders share power, encouraging team members to lead in their areas of strength.
- Communication: Traditional leaders communicate top-down. Servant leaders engage in two-way conversations, ensuring the team’s voice is heard.
What Servant Leadership is NOT
There are common misconceptions about servant leadership. It’s not about being passive or allowing the team to take control. It’s about supporting your team’s growth while guiding the organization toward its goals. Tough decisions still need to be made, but they are done with a focus on the team’s development, not through authoritarian commands.
It’s also not a quick-fix approach for engagement or productivity. Servant leadership is a long-term commitment to the holistic development of your team, which, over time, results in sustained performance improvement.
Why Servant Leadership Matters
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, where employees often feel like just another cog in the machine, servant leadership offers a more human approach. Here’s why it’s critical:
- Employee Engagement: Engaged employees are more productive and committed. When you focus on your team’s needs, they’re motivated to give their best.
- Coaching and Development: Servant leaders invest in their team’s growth. This commitment to development leads to higher performance and job satisfaction.
- Sales Performance: Teams that feel supported are more confident and collaborative. This translates into better customer relationships, higher satisfaction, and increased revenue.
How to Become a Servant Leader
Becoming a servant leader requires intention and effort. Here are key steps to help you adopt this leadership style:
- Listen First: Prioritize listening over directing. Create space for team members to express their thoughts and ideas.
- Practice Empathy: Understand your team’s challenges and aspirations. This helps build stronger relationships and trust.
- Develop Others: Focus on mentoring and coaching your team. Support their professional growth and celebrate their successes.
- Lead with Purpose: Help your team see the bigger picture and how their work contributes to the organization’s goals.
- Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of servant leadership. Be transparent, keep your word, and show vulnerability when appropriate.
Why I Choose Servant Leadership
Over the years, I’ve learned that servant leadership isn’t just an effective management style—it’s the approach I choose to live by every day. By putting my team’s needs first and helping them grow, I’ve seen incredible results. When leaders focus on serving rather than commanding, teams feel more valued, motivated, and empowered to deliver their best work.
In today’s ever-changing business landscape, where human connection and trust are more important than ever, servant leadership stands out as a powerful way to drive long-term success. It’s not about control—it’s about empowering your team to thrive.
So, as you reflect on your leadership style, ask yourself:
Are you serving to lead, or are you leading to serve?
I’m Eric Boettner, a data-driven sales executive with 20 years of experience leading high-performing teams across multiple industries. From NASCAR sponsorships to driving telecom sales at Spectrum and AT&T, I’ve consistently delivered results through innovative sales strategies & go-to-market plans. I’ve had the privilege of leading teams of 450+ employees across six states, developing growth-focused programs that resulted in a 62% year-over-year increase in mobile sales – all with record breaking (low) employee attrition rates.
I thrive in fast-paced environments, where I can combine my passion for data analytics and team engagement to optimize performance and uncover new opportunities. My leadership style focuses on creating inclusive, growth-oriented cultures, and I’m all about bringing strategy to life through actionable execution in the field. I believe in the power of people, the insights data provides, and the impact a clear vision can have on a team’s success.
I’m here to help power teams that don’t just meet their goals—they crush them.
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