“The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.”
This quote by John C. Maxwell suggests that he understands that good leadership means taking time to nurture and listen to others. The philosophy of servant leadership requires a healthy dose of self-reflection, a willingness to change and take thoughtful steps to improve. Let’s have a closer look at the wisdom this influential man has offered to American leaders.
Who is John C. Maxwell?
As an author and speaker, Maxwell’s reach has been significant. He has written many leadership books and presents his work to over 350,000 people every year at various speaking engagements. He is driven to develop other leaders like himself who demonstrate integrity and professional and personal growth and are focused on mentoring others.
He has explained his leadership principles to audiences at the United States Military Academy, various Fortune 500 companies and national sports organizations, including the NFL, NBA and NCAA. While Maxwell didn’t create the “servant leadership” term, he is squarely behind the concept and intimately familiar with how it works. He has used his expertise to develop a very clear and compelling approach that other leaders can use to implement servant leadership in their organizations.
What does servant leadership mean?
Essentially, servant leadership is about serving others. Contrary to focusing primarily on the success of their business, a servant leader understands that they need to first take care of the needs of their employees and help them perform well on the job. The leader nurtures and develops the skill sets of their staff so that they can fulfil their potential.
As Maxwell explains it, there are many components to servant leadership. That said, it all begins with the right attitude. You must be genuinely willing and committed to use a positive approach in guiding others to attain common goals.
Maxwell firmly believes that with great people, an organization can accomplish great things, and the only way to help individuals become superior employees is to provide them with the proper foundation. The best leaders are influencers who are finely attuned to what kind of support their team requires and are determined to offer it.
Here are a few more quotes from this great man that advise on how to be a servant leader.
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
The expression “walk the talk” comes to mind when your read these words. This is all about acting with integrity and building trust with those individuals you are leading. Basically, it’s not enough to espouse certain principles. It’s also critical that team members see you acting in accordance with what you say you hold dear. Your people are watching what you do.
“People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.”
In other words, you can’t fake positivity. How you talk about your vision and your goals for the company matters. This goes much further than your choice of words; your tone and level of enthusiasm betray what’s really on your mind. Verbal communication needs to be reinforced with genuine non-verbal cues.
“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”
In essence, individuals will follow a strong leader when they observe the passion they have for an idea. Certainly, the cause should be one that people feel is important. Great leaders are persuasive. So, as long as their vision is reasonably in alignment with that of their audience, a leader will garner support. On the other hand, even if a cause is worthy, if the leader isn’t credible, then individuals will not be inclined to listen to them.
“If you are a leader, you should never forget that everyone needs encouragement. And everyone who receives it—young or old, successful or less-than-successful, unknown or famous—is changed by it.”
This tenet of servant leadership is a reminder that the philosophy understands that everyone needs to feel that they are noticed and that their efforts are supported. A little positive feedback goes a long way. What’s more, offering public praise can pay big dividends and really inspire people to achieve more.
“The greater the challenges you’ve faced as a leader in the past, the more likely followers are to give you a chance in the present.”
The lesson in this Maxwell quote is that your track record as a leader makes a difference. Consistency and persistence in overcoming challenges will not only build valuable leadership competencies, but it will earn you the respect of your followers. Team members will have more confidence in your ability to guide and support them to meet their goals.
In conclusion
Finally, Maxwell reminds leaders that practicing servant leadership depends on each decision you make. As he says, “the secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.” Wise advice indeed.