Leadership is Love in Service: Putting Others First

In our ongoing leadership series, we've discussed how love plays a vital role in effective leadership. Love in and through service is where we will be focusing today. Service forms the core of compassionate leadership, it is where we emphasize the importance of prioritizing others' needs and finding fulfillment in assisting our teams in achieving success. By leading with a servant's heart, we lay a solid groundwork for trust, loyalty, and triumph. And, that always brings remarkable productivity, which leads to results.

Servant leadership revolves around fostering the growth and well-being of our teams. It entails offering support, being present for our team members, and empowering them to reach their goals. This leadership style nurtures a positive and supportive environment where our people feel appreciated and motivated.

"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve," Martin Luther King Jr.

So what does service in action look like?

Let’s quickly take a look at two well known leaders, Mahatma Gandhi and Howard Schultz. Though from vastly different worlds, both of these men exemplified leadership as love in service. Gandhi’s dedication to nonviolent resistance wasn’t just a strategy; it was an act of profound service. He led with empathy and humility, putting the needs of the Indian people at the forefront, ultimately inspiring a nation to stand up for its rights without resorting to violence.

Similarly, Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, demonstrated this principle during the 2008 financial crisis. While other companies were cutting back, Schultz chose to protect his employees' healthcare and stock options, showing that their well-being was his priority.

Both leaders understood that true leadership is about serving others, and their actions created lasting impacts, proving that when leaders serve with love, they inspire loyalty, resilience, and profound change.

How to Lead with Love in Service:

1. Empower Growth:

Support the professional and personal development of your team by offering learning opportunities and mentorship. Empowering others to grow benefits both individuals and the organization.

2. Foster Inclusivity:

Create an inclusive environment where each team member feels valued and respected. Embrace diverse perspectives and ensure everyone has a voice to foster a culture of belonging.

3. Encourage Collaboration:

Promote teamwork and collaboration through open communication and mutual support. Encourage sharing ideas and solving problems collectively for greater results.

4. Prioritize Well-Being:

Make your team's well-being a priority by advocating for work-life balance, providing wellness resources, and being mindful of signs of burnout. Show care for their health and happiness, emphasizing the importance of their overall well-being.

For those who, like me, wish to deepen their leadership skills, I would encourage us to reflect on the needs of our teams and think about how we can serve them better. Whether it’s through active listening, providing resources, or fostering a positive work environment, remember that our leadership is most impactful when it comes from a place of love.

P.S. Don’t forget to join our 12-week "Courageous Leadership" Challenge and check out our Masterclass Series coming this fall. Let’s continue to grow and lead with love together.

Jacqueline