The Art of Servant Leadership: How Small Business Owners Can Empower and Support Their Teams
July 5, 2023
Imagine this: Tom, a hard-working small business owner, welcomes the day with the passion and determination typical of a self-made entrepreneur.
His local roofing company, “Skyline Roofers,” has carved out a niche in the community. The folks in the neighborhood trust his brand, and the business is gaining momentum.
Despite the positive trajectory, Tom is acutely aware that scaling a business is not just about gaining new contracts; it’s about developing a dedicated, skillful team.
And, in his pursuit to strengthen the pillars of his business, he stumbles upon a golden principle — the art of servant leadership.
A walk down memory lane
Before we delve into how servant leadership can revitalize small businesses like Tom’s, let’s acquaint ourselves with the origins of this exceptional concept.
Back in 1970, a forward-thinking man named Robert K. Greenleaf penned an essay that was destined to change the leadership landscape. Titled“The Servant as Leader”, this piece introduced the world to servant leadership.
It was a groundbreaking philosophy; leadership, according to Greenleaf, should focus on serving employees, ensuring their growth and nurturing their skills.
Fast forward a few decades, and servant leadership is celebrated as a transformative approach that has proven effective in various sectors, from healthcare and education to corporate settings and small businesses.
Why servant leadership matters for small businesses
For small business owners, the team is often their most prized asset. Consider the distinction between an employee who feels cherished and one who feels overlooked.
The former is more likely to display dedication, enthusiasm and productivity. In the context of small businesses, this is indispensable.
Resources are typically scarce, and squeezing the maximum value out of every element, especially human resources, is vital.
Let’s go back to Tom and his roofing company. The roofing industry is challenging. It demands technical prowess, exceptional customer service and a fair share of physical labor.
How can servant leadership make a difference for Skyline Roofers?
Understanding and catering to team needs
Tom initiates his foray into servant leadership by taking the time to genuinely comprehend the abilities and limitations of each team member.
He observes that Juan possesses an exceptional grasp of technical details, while Sarah has a natural flair for engaging with clients and building relationships.
By delegating tasks that align with their innate strengths, Tom not only maximizes productivity but also ensures that his team members find fulfillment in their work.
Moreover, Tom fosters a culture where feedback is encouraged. He actively seeks input on how the company can improve its services. Employees begin to feel that their voices matter, which is a quintessential aspect of servant leadership.
Creating an atmosphere of trust
One fine day, a cloud of crisis looms over Skyline Roofers in the form of a customer complaint concerning a recently completed roofing project.
Instead of resorting to finger-pointing, Tom convenes a meeting with his team to dissect the issue. They engage in an open dialogue, exploring where things went awry and brainstorming solutions.
This democratic and inclusive approach pays dividends. The team, feeling valued and respected, takes ownership and works assiduously to rectify the issue. This episode not only resolves the immediate crisis but fortifies the bonds within the team.
Focusing on personal and professional development
Beyond daily operations, Tom is genuinely invested in the personal and professional development of his team. He holds regular one-on-one sessions, focusing not just on job performance but also on individual aspirations and well-being.
Furthermore, Tom guides his team to small business resources that can help them acquire new skills. He earmarks a part of the budget for educational programs and certifications.
This investment in his employees’ growth is manifold; not only does it increase their expertise, but it also signals that Tom is committed to their long-term success.
The cascading effect of empowering the team
As Tom’s implementation of servant leadership takes root, something extraordinary starts to happen. The empowerment doesn’t stop at just the team members. It creates a ripple effect.
The employees, now feeling valued and supported, begin to take the initiative in improving the customer experience. They become proactive in suggesting and implementing innovative methods for roof installations and repairs.
The dedication to quality and service begins to echo through every interaction with clients.
Word spreads, and Skyline Roofers start receiving an outpouring of positive reviews. Their reputation for not just exceptional roofing but for unparalleled service grows.
The company attracts talented individuals who want to be part of a team where they can thrive personally and professionally.
The tale of Tom and Skyline Roofers is not just a success story; it’s an exemplar of how embracing servant leadership can revolutionize the very fabric of your business. Your team is not just a means to an end; they are the heart and soul of your enterprise.
As a small business owner, the time is ripe for you to delve into the art of servant leadership. Invest in your team, build trust, encourage growth and create an environment where every voice matters.
Your business will not only see an upswing in productivity and morale but will also contribute positively to the community.