To Lead means to Serve

In the realm of leadership, the concept of serving may seem counterintuitive to some. After all, isn't a leader supposed to be the one giving orders and making decisions? However, a true leader understands that to lead effectively means to serve others and enable them to perform optimally. Let’s explore the importance of servant leadership and how it can multiply value, foster trust, and enhance collaboration in any organization or team.

• Serving Multiplies Value: Just as an engineer serves their supervisors and a CEO is tasked with creating business value by serving their customers, leaders at all levels must recognize that one of their key roles is to serve to inspire those they lead. By prioritizing the needs and aspirations of others, a leader can empower their team members to unleash their full potential. When individuals feel supported and valued, they are more likely to go above and beyond, resulting in increased productivity, creativity, and overall success.

• The Pitfalls of Traditional Leadership Styles: Gone are the days when leadership meant guilt-tripping people or micromanaging every decision. Such approaches mostly not only stifle innovation but also erode trust and motivation within a team. True leaders understand that leading by example, providing guidance, and empowering their team members leads to a more positive and productive work environment. Not sure how to do this? Ask your supervisor for guidance and look up leadership resources.

Leadership is not just a topic for management. Engineers are often implicitly expected to lead - lead developers create the architecture and blue prints for others to follow. Thus, cultivating a leadership culture is one of the most nurturing grounds to create for long lasting success.

• Leveraging Expertise and Perspective: It is important to remember that leaders are not expected to be experts in every aspect of their team's work. As an individual contributor, you were hired for your skills and expertise, making you likely more knowledgeable than your boss in your specific domain. Recognize that your boss's role is to have the big picture and make informed decisions based on the collective expertise of the team. By leveraging your skills to support their vision, you contribute to the overall success of the organization.
• The Art of Effective Service: Willingness to serve is the first step, but it is not enough to be truly effective. To serve well, it is crucial to study your leader and company and represent them in their best interest. By understanding their vision, values, and priorities, you can align your efforts to support their goals, whether you’re expected to lead or not. This proactive approach reduces the burden on all leaders, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives rather than constantly micromanaging their team or leaders.

The leader’s perspective is not the only perspective and it is important to note that a positive attitude is key to thriving even under difficult leadership. Thus, even if you don't hold a formal leadership role, you can still practice natural leadership and lead by example. By embodying qualities such as integrity, empathy, and a strong work ethic, you can positively influence those around you and create a culture of service within your team. This is an effective way of sowing into your and your peers’ futures.

• Building Relationships with Different Leadership Styles: Working with a micro-manager can be challenging, but it also presents an opportunity for growth. Instead of becoming frustrated, try to learn from their management style. Self-assessment is key—identify what you like and dislike about their approach, and use this knowledge to adapt and improve your own leadership skills. Embrace the mindset of continuous learning and growth, preparing yourself for future leadership roles.
• Evaluating Your Leadership: To ensure that you are effectively serving your team and embodying the principles of servant leadership, take the time to evaluate your own leadership style. Reflect on your interactions with team members, seek feedback, and be open to continuous improvement. If you need guidance or assistance in enhancing your leadership skills, don't hesitate to reach out to experienced leaders or experts in the field.

To lead effectively is to serve wholeheartedly. By adopting a servant leadership mindset, leaders can inspire trust, foster collaboration, and multiply the value of their teams. Serving others does not diminish authority; rather, it enhances it by creating an environment where individuals feel supported, valued and guided to reach the overarching goals.

If you’d like specific guidance on improving or building a leadership culture with strong values, bitcreed is more than happy to advise and assess any situation within engineering teams as an independent party.

@June 18, 2023