Contemporary Leadership Theory Servant Leadership

What is it? Belief that successful leaders must take care of their employees and provide services for others. Meaning that the leader should recognize the needs of their employees and make sure they can go to you in any situation, good or bad.

Characteristics of Servant Leader Listening: Ability to listen intently to others Empathy: Recognizing and accepting peoples for their special talents, gifts, and unique spirits. Awareness: Providing an understanding of issues from a well developed sense of ethics and values. Persuasion: Seek to convince rather than coerce. Challenge to think of issues in different perspectives. Commitment to growth of people: seek the holistic growth and development of others.

Steve Wynn, CEO of Wynn Resorts “Our culture of exceptional guest service infuses everything we do. Whether it’s that extra minute it takes to walk a guest to their destination or the thoughtful phone call to housekeeping to add that special touch for an anniversary, we promote our standards by sharing our great service stories. You are what makes the difference between a good guest experience and an unforgettable one”

Short-term VS Long-term Servant Leadership is a long-term pursuit of the improvement of corporate cultures and is not consistent with short-run profit motives. This type of leadership is built towards long- term success. If people understand and buy into what you are trying to create, then people will serve you better and you can create that culture that people eventually want to work for and be apart of.