What is Leadership?
Leadership involves guiding and inspiring individuals to work together towards a shared goal, implementing strategic plans, and fostering continuous improvement within an organization.
Evolution Leadership from Management
In the past, leadership was referred to as “management,” emphasizing technical expertise and guidance within the traditional industrial economy’s command-and-control framework. Leaders focused exclusively on maximizing shareholder value. Their roles were mainly threefold: planners (who developed strategies and translated them into actionable steps), directors (who assigned tasks), and controllers (who ensured tasks were completed and plans were followed).
Emerging into Servant Leadership Approach
This modern leadership style is known as "servant leadership." Although there is some debate over the terminology, the idea is clear: rather than managing through direction and control, leaders should serve their team members. The focus is on alleviating physical, cognitive, and emotional burdens. Research shows that this approach can enhance both team performance and satisfaction.
In this model, leaders demonstrate qualities such as empathy, compassion, vulnerability, gratitude, self-awareness, and self-care. They provide support and appreciation, creating a psychologically safe environment where employees feel free to collaborate, innovate, and express concerns. Celebrating small achievements and fostering strong human connections further contribute to improved well-being and optimal team performance.