In the realm of leadership, it's not uncommon to hear phrases like "lead by example", "walk the talk", or "practice what you preach." These expressions underscore the significance of a leader's actions and behaviors in influencing those they lead. In this blog post, we'll delve into the idea of serving others with positive influence and why it's essential to incorporate this approach into your leadership style.
Serving others with positive influence isn't just a leadership strategy; it's a way of life. It's about recognizing the profound impact leaders can have on their teams and the world when they embrace the idea of serving others. Before we dive deeper, take a moment to reflect on your journey in self-assessing your "influencing style." How are you progressing with it? If you'd like to share your thoughts, connect with me via my website at michaelbatessolutions.com – I would love to connect with you and learn from your insights.
When thinking about this topic, I recalled an interesting conversation I had years ago with a man who "faithfully" set out chairs for children to use on Sunday mornings during children's church. I thanked him for his service, to which he exclaimed, "It's really not that big of a deal." But, to me, his actions spoke volumes. Without him, there would be chaos – can you imagine 100 children sitting on a dirty floor?
This person, whom I met that day, exemplifies being a Person of "Positive" influence by serving the children of his church community. His humility and commitment to a seemingly small task were, in reality, invaluable contributions to the community and its children. It serves as a poignant reminder that no matter how "insignificant" you believe a task is, to another person, that same task is "incredibly significant."
Let's explore why serving others with positive influence should be integral to your leadership style.
1. Fosters Trust and Respect
Trust and respect are the bedrock of effective leadership. When you serve others with positive influence, you demonstrate your commitment to their well-being and success. This genuine concern for your team members' growth and development builds trust and respect. They see you as someone who genuinely cares, not just about the bottom line, but about their personal and professional growth.
When establishing trust, communication flows more freely, collaboration increases, and conflicts decrease, leading to healthier teams. As a leader, you are responsible for creating an environment where trust and respect flourish, and serving others with positive influence is a key to achieving that.
2. Strengthens Team Cohesion
A leader's primary role is to lead a team towards a common goal. One strategy for achieving the goal is team cohesion, an essential trait for healthy teams. When you serve others with positive influence, you foster a sense of unity and togetherness within your team. Team members feel valued and appreciated, which leads to increased morale and a stronger sense of belonging.
A cohesive team is likelier to work harmoniously, share ideas, and support one another in achieving shared objectives. Being a servant leader creates an environment where everyone is invested in the team's success, resulting in improved overall performance.
3. Inspires Others to Lead
Leadership is not limited to those with formal titles or positions. It's a quality that everyone possesses. When you serve others with positive influence, you inspire those around you to embrace leadership qualities and take initiative. Your actions become a model for others to follow, and you empower them to lead by example.
This ripple effect of leadership can transform your entire organization, creating a leadership development and continuous improvement culture. Your team members will become more confident, motivated, and proactive in their roles, which benefits the organization.
4. Enhances Decision-Making
Effective leadership often requires making tough decisions that affect the team and the organization. When you have a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of your team members, as you do when you serve others with positive influence, your decision-making becomes more informed and empathetic.
You're equipping yourself and others to find the balance between the interests of various stakeholders and make decisions that consider both short-term goals and long-term sustainability. Your team members are likelier to support and trust your decisions when they see that you have their best interests at heart.
5. Leaves a Lasting Legacy
Great leaders are remembered not just for their achievements but for the positive impact they had on the lives of others. When you serve others with positive influence, you leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond your time in a leadership position. Your actions and the values you instill in your team members continue to shape their lives and careers long after you've moved on.
In conclusion, serving others with positive influence is not merely an optional leadership style; it's a fundamental approach that can transform your leadership and the lives of those you lead. Remember the story of the man who set out chairs for children's church and how his seemingly small act of service had a profound impact. As a leader, every action you take, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can be incredibly significant to someone else.
So, reflect on your influencing style, and consider how you can incorporate serving others with positive influence into your leadership approach. It's not about grand gestures but about consistently demonstrating care, empathy, and a commitment to the growth and well-being of your team members. Doing so will build trust, strengthen your team, inspire others to lead, enhance your decision-making, and leave a lasting legacy of positive influence.
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