We in the workplace are aware of the significance of leadership in any successful company.
But what sort of leadership works best in an Indian setting?
Servant leadership, a leadership ethos that has gained popularity recently, is one response.
Servant leadership puts the emphasis on serving others rather than dominating them.
To put it another way, a servant leader prioritizes the needs of others and aids them in achieving their objectives.
Robert Greenleaf originally popularized this leadership approach in the 1970s, and numerous prosperous firms all around the world have subsequently adopted it.
Servant leaders have certain traits.
Here are some of the characteristics of a servant leader:
– Empathy: A servant leader can empathize with others’ emotions.
– Listening: A servant leader values the opinions and ideas of others. In India, where hierarchy is often emphasized, it can be difficult for employees to speak up. A servant leader creates a safe environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
– Humility: A servant leader is humble and recognizes that they are not the most important person in the organization. This is important in India, where hierarchy is often emphasized, and leaders are expected to be authoritative.
– Vision: A servant leader has a clear vision for the organization and communicates this vision to others. This is important in India, where employees often look to their leaders for direction.
– Commitment to the growth of others: A servant leader is committed to helping others grow and develop. This is important in India, where employees value mentorship and guidance.
Incorporating Servant Leadership into Everyday Interactions
Here are some ways in which you can incorporate aspects of servant leadership into your everyday interactions:
– Listen actively: When someone is speaking to you, give them your full attention. Avoid multitasking or interrupting them.
– Empathize: Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and try to understand their perspective.
– Be humble: Avoid showing off or boasting about your achievements. Instead, focus on recognizing the achievements of others.
– Communicate your vision: Be clear about your goals and share them with others. This will help to create a sense of purpose and direction in your team.
– Mentor others: Take the time to mentor and guide others. Share your knowledge and experience to help them grow and develop.
Examples of Servant Leadership in India
There are many examples of servant leadership in India. One of the most famous is Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhiji was a servant leader who put the needs of others first and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the Indian people.
He was a good listener, empathetic, and committed to the growth of others.
Another example is N.R. Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys.
Murthy is known for his humility and commitment to the growth of his employees.
He once said, “I believe that my success as a leader should be judged by how well the company performs after I leave.”
Conclusion
Servant Leadership is a powerful leadership style that can help organizations to achieve success in the Indian context.
By putting the needs of others first, being empathetic, listening actively, being humble, and committing to the growth of others, leaders can create a positive and productive workplace.
Let’s embrace servant leadership and work towards a better future for all.
