I Kings 12:7 And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.

You’ve probably heard of “servant leadership,” but do you know what it means? Being a servant leader involves more than simply being a good leader — it comprises putting the needs of others before your own. If you want to be a successful leader, being a servant leader is a great place to start. It’s about leading with humility and respect and using your influence to help others. At its core, servant leadership is about building relationships. It’s about being humble and understanding that everyone has something to contribute. It’s about helping people feel valued and empowering them to make decisions.

Robert K. Greenleaf first discussed the concept of servant leadership in a 1970 essay, “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.” Servant leadership focuses on helping others reach their goals, not on power or authority. Here’s how to become a servant leader:

1. Focus on Serving Others: The most crucial part of being a servant leader is putting the needs of others before your own. This means that you should focus on helping others reach their goals and helping them succeed. Serving others doesn’t mean you should be a pushover; instead, you sacrifice to ensure your team succeeds.

Servant leader puts the needs of their followers before their own. They will work hard to help others and will put the team first, even if it means sacrificing their comfort. Serving others means ensuring that the people you’re helping are cared for and their needs are met before yours.

2. Lead with Compassion: As a servant leader, lead with compassion. Compassion involves understanding the struggles and challenges of those you lead and treating them with dignity and respect. Be empathetic and understanding, and truly listen to your team members’ words. When you’re helping people, being present and truly listening to what they’re saying is essential. This will help you better understand the situation and how to serve them best. This means taking the time to ask questions, listen to the answers, and respond in a way that shows you care.

3. Encourage collaboration: Collaboration is an integral part of servant leadership. Ensure you create an environment where your team members feel comfortable voicing their opinions and sharing ideas. Let them work together to solve problems, and encourage them to think creatively. As a servant leader, you’re not there to boast or to get recognition. You’re there to serve and to give.

4. Lead by Example: do whatever it takes to help your team succeed, no matter how challenging. Show your team that you will put in the hard work and effort required to reach success. Servant leaders lead with humility, not pride. They understand they don’t always have the answers and will admit when they’re wrong. They’re also willing to accept help and advice from others.

It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in your mission. Be bold, speak up, and stand up for what’s right when necessary. Be a team player. Work with others to help achieve the common goal. Servant leaders are natural motivators and encouragers. They strive to inspire others through their words and actions, and they can motivate people to strive for greatness.

5. Show Gratitude: Showing gratitude is essential to being a servant leader. Acknowledge your team members’ hard work and effort, and take the time to thank them for their contributions. Not only will this help foster a positive working environment, but it will also make your team members feel valued and appreciated. Servant leader shows respect for their followers. They value the opinions of others and treat everyone with kindness and dignity. They don’t take advantage of their position and are not afraid to admit when they’re wrong.

As a missionary, your mission is to win the people’s hearts. You can win people’s hearts with the right attitude and approach and become a respected and admired servant leader.

Being a servant leader isn’t easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. You can motivate and engage your team when you lead with humility and empathy. Your relationships will be stronger, and your team will be more productive. Ultimately, servant leadership will help you build a culture of trust and respect, leading to tremendous success for everyone.