Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
By asking this, I wish to learn - via real life examples - what servant leadership is REALLY about. Saving Changes...
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Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Eduard
my mindset throughout the project is to be dispensable, the members of the team achieve their results without my active involvement. It is also a good stress mitigation strategy.
Clearly, there is a way to get to this point, it involves team selection and building and empowerment, delegation and absolutely no micro-management.
Providing psychological safety to the team is part of it, building trust, which involves
- being of value to the team - complement their capabilities, fill gaps
- being reliable, do as you say, commit and deliver, respond timely to requests, comments and make decisions early
- have 1:1 conversations, know the situation and feelings of everyone
- be dependable, act like the lifeline who hopefully never need
There are more mindsets involved, for example being humble, never brag about achievements, give kudos, acknowledge results, smile.
Asking individual team members how their days are going and what you could do to make their work easier.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
The best way I can help my projects is by helping my project team members. For example, when you work on a Canadian federal government project, you have to deal with delivering products in English and French. If my developer is waiting on a French translation, I will pitch in and do the translation or review the translation. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
When you work hand in hand with your team and along the way you ensure they have everything they need at all times, that’s servant leadership. Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
The idea is to lead-from-behind - give them the reins. But first everyone must know the objective and their responsibilities in achieving that objective. The leader then must focus on removing the hurdles to achieving that objective and, to the extent necessary, redefining (fine tuning) the objectives and assigned responsibilities.
The hardest part of servant-leadership is to keep from taking on the job and micro-managing. If you hear yourself say "leave it with me, I'll look after it" its time to take a break, look in the mirror, give your head a shake, re-familiarize yourself with you management philosophy and return the job to its rightful owner. Saving Changes...
Being aware of all team member's needs, assisting them in the work they have difficulties with (giving orientation, not performing the work they are responsible to do), or searching for another team member that could help them resolve difficult situations. Saving Changes...
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