We are the most influencer obsessed society to date, yet are we being responsible with our influence? You don’t need to have one million followers on social media, whether you come in contact with two or two thousand people a day, you are affecting those around you in various ways. Influence can be described as having an effect on the character, development, or behavior of others. It takes a high level of intentionality to consistently evaluate how you are impacting those around you. As a coach, you are a business owner that has influence over team members and/or the clients you serve. A question to consider is: How you are stewarding your influence?
Flipping the Script
One way to steward your influence is through a leadership philosophy called servant leadership that has gained increasing popularity in recent years. The basic idea behind this approach is that the leader’s primary focus should be on serving the needs of others first and being of support to them. This contrasts with the traditional view of leadership, which emphasizes power and control. Key principles such as stewardship, awareness, commitment, empathy, humility, and community are necessary to have as servant leaders to be the most impactful.
Stewardship is an important principle of servant leadership. A servant leader is responsible for the resources and assets of their team or organization and takes steps to ensure that they are used effectively and efficiently. They also make a point to be accountable and transparent, and to act in the best interests of the people they are leading.
Awareness is another vital principle of servant leadership. A servant leader is always aware of what is happening within those around them and is able to identify any potential problems or opportunities. Awareness also includes being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of team members, as well as the external factors that may impact the organization. By developing a high level of awareness, a servant leader is better able to serve the needs of their team and make decisions that benefit the team.
Commitment to the growth of people is also an important principle of servant leadership. A servant leader is committed to the personal and professional growth of their team members and takes steps to help them develop their skills and abilities. They also make a point to be supportive and encouraging, and to help team members reach their full potential.
Lead Like Jesus
Blanchard speaks on empathy as an important principle of servant leadership. A servant leader is able to see things from the perspective of their team members and is able to understand and relate to their feelings and experiences. They also make an effort to create a positive and supportive work environment, where team members feel valued and respected. Blanchard notes that Jesus was known for his ability to understand and relate to the feelings and experiences of others. This allowed him to connect with people on a deeper level, and to respond to their needs in a more meaningful way. Leaders who are able to empathize with those they lead are more likely to be successful in their roles, as they are able to understand and respond to the needs of others.
One of the key themes of the book is the importance of humility in leadership. Blanchard argues that true leaders are those who are willing to put the needs of others first, and who are not afraid to admit when they are wrong. By embracing humility, leaders can create a more positive and supportive work environment and can build stronger relationships with their team members.
Building community is also an important principle of servant leadership. A servant leader works to create a sense of community and belonging within their team and life. In life, servant leadership can be applied in various settings, such as in the family, friends, and community. It encourages individuals to lead by example, and to work collaboratively to build a better world for others. By putting the needs of others first and working to empower those around them, servant leaders can inspire and motivate others to do the same. Let's be servant leaders to steward our influence well!
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