Servant leadership is a type of leadership defined by the leader playing the role of the steward of resources, whether it is the company, organization or classrooms resources. The leader is a position where they are serving the followers all while paying attention to the results of the project or work of the group. Servant leadership is a concept that works well for people who want to inspire other people to work, rather than telling them to work.

The Beginning

Servant leadership is a leadership theory that was coined by Robert Greenleaf. In his theory of servant leadership, the leader plays a much more important role than just leading a group of people towards a common goal. Instead, the leader becomes much like a father figure. The leader is the person who regulates the resources for the project, giving out what is needed when it is needed. But to define the role in servant leadership, the leader must also take on the responsibilities of a common type of leader. The leader must monitor the progress of the project and make sure the group is staying on task. Also, in servant leadership the leader is obligated to uphold the standards and values of the company to complete the project.

Although Greenleaf is credited for the creation of servant leadership, the concept of servant leadership is thousands of years old. It is an ingrained concept that people take mostly through a type of Christian spirituality. Although servant leadership is a concept that works well in religious settings, it can also be utilized in business and education to teach compassion to the followers. By having a leader that care for more than just the bottom line, people are happier and more willing to work towards that common goal. Inspirational leaders make better leaders because the followers feel more towards the leader than just an obligation to get the job done. They feel like they are making a difference, and that makes them work harder to achieve their goals.

Servant leadership is a good concept to utilize whenever possible. It will create compassionate leaders and followers that are dedicated to achieve the goals not for the leader, but along with the leader. It helps people to know that they are working for each other, and not working under someone. Effective leadership starts with caring about the people as well as the end product. When people are happier about what they are doing, things will get done fast and better than ever before.

Being in any kind of leadership role can be stressful, especially when youre not even sure exactly what role you should be playing. Things can get even tougher when youre put in a situational leadership role. Because most people tend to have their own way of leadership, its hard to put themselves in a situational role but sometimes it cant be helped.

If you find yourself put in a situational leadership role, understanding what the role entails and following a few techniques will get you started on the right road to success as a leader.

What is a Situational Leadership Role?

The role of a situational leader is best played by someone who is empathetic and capable of being under standing to everyones individual needs. This technique can be learned by those who are not naturally empathetic, but it will take some work.

Another thing this role demands is the ability to take nothing personal and to always keep an unbiased open mind. Youll find that each situation with every person you lead is different, so the ability to maneuver from one situation to another quickly, is critical.

Being able to identify with another persons feelings and situations is also another big part of holding a situational leadership role. This is where the empathy comes in. Youll have to identify with peoples need in a way that you can manage them to take care of their issues while still getting what you need from them whether it be work, or children to behave.

How and Where to Learn Situational Leadership Skills

You can learn these skills in a multitude of different ways. By really watching how the people you come into contact with everyday interact with each, you can learn a lot about how to approach and deal with their individual attitudes, personalities and needs.

You can also find classes for different leadership skills, including situational leading at your local community college. They usually offer night classes and even sometimes online classes in order for you to be able to fit the education into your busy schedule. Payment plans and financial aid are viable, low cost options when it comes to funding your situational leadership courses.

If you dont have the time or youre simply not interested in funding a formal education, you can find materials and online courses over the internet to help you with your situational leadership skills.