The last discussion Loyd and I had revolved around leadership style. Specifically, we discussed the impact of those that manage from a position of power versus those who manage with personal influence. Today, businesses may hire employees, but what both the business and employee wants are to be team members. Therefore, a paradigm shift is taking place as it relates to managing people in a way that motivates and inspires.
In comes the practice of servant leadership. If I was in the grip of the grape with Loyd, I am sure he would tell you that servant leadership is how we work together. He believes very much that I serve him and that he serves me (and no, I am not just talking about the wine here).
Loyd had taken a few days off, which is a very rare occasion, so we took the opportunity to talk some smack on the golf course. On the 18th hole, just as I was taking a few practice swings, Loyd started to comment on my swing. Loyd had been riding my butt all day, so I could not help but look back at him in complete disgust. I was sure he was trying to flub me up because, since Loyd double bogeyed on 17, I was surely going to win by two strokes!
“Whoopsie, my bad,” Loyd let’s out with a devious smirk. I teed off, ball landed perfectly in the fairway and I started walking towards him with a confident swag and my club tightly gripped in my hand. Not knowing yet if I was going to smack him with it or not, he let out the question that was lingering in his mind. He mentioned our past discussions on leadership and wanted to know my perspective on leaders who miss the “servant” nature of leadership. Now I am intrigued.
After a few minutes, I responded to Loyd:
It is pretty simple really, leaders who miss the “servant” nature of leaders leave a detrimental impact on the organization. It affects the attitude of your people (team), it ripples through to recruiting and retention and ultimately the culture of your business.
Leaders do not miss the “servant” nature of their role. Only the bosses or positional managers are complicated to miss the magic of the servant attitude. Leaders understand that their success can only be achieved through the success of their team. Leaders think we, not me. Simple, but effective. Leaders, true leaders, understand and practice servant leadership. However, if you manage from a place of position, here is where you are negatively impacting your business.
Loyd and I rolled up to our balls. I could tell a thought was brewing on Loyd’s lips but another group was coming up behind us. I nudged him and reminded him that we could still hang out in the club-house. Thankfully, he obliged and we got on with my game.
“The Doc,” took the game, by the way….
Dealing with complex business, family, generational, recruitment or growth questions? Ask Dr. Merlot: drmerlot@rawlsgroup.com.
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