Servant Leadership =/= Being a Doormat
By: A Staff Writer
Updated on: Aug 30, 2024
Servant Leadership =/= Being a Doormat
Many confuse kindness with weakness. Servant leaders are both strong AND supportive, striking a crucial balance.
We think we have to be either a tyrant to get things done, or a pushover who gets taken advantage of.
- Clear expectations, firm boundaries: People thrive with structure, even if the leader isn’t micromanaging.
- Feedback is a gift: Honest, constructive feedback delivered with kindness is how your team improves.
- “No” with empathy: You can decline requests while acknowledging the person’s needs (not always fulfilling them)
- Accountability matters: Servant leaders don’t let underperformance slide, they address it in a supportive way.
- Protect your team fiercely: From bad clients, from unreasonable workloads…they know you have their back.
- Walk the walk: Living up to the values you preach is more powerful than motivational posters on the wall.
What’s the hardest part of balancing firm leadership with empathy?
The next time you have to give tough feedback, try starting with a genuine strength the person has.