Characteristics, Pros & Cons, Example [Video]

What Is Servant Leadership?

Servant leadership is a leadership style and philosophy whereby an individual interacts with others—either in a management or fellow employee capacity—to achieve authority rather than power. The system embodies a decentralized organizational structure. Customer-facing employees also use servant leadership to make better connections and impressions with customers. These employees have a close relationship with the consumer and can make better decisions to retain those customers and acquire new ones.

Servant leadership seeks to move management and personnel interaction away from “controlling activities” and toward a more synergistic relationship. The term “servant leadership” was coined by Robert Greenleaf, a twentieth-century researcher who was skeptical about traditional leadership styles that focus on more authoritarian relationships between employers and employees.

The authority figure in servant leadership environments attempts to promote innovation, empower employees, and assure the well-being of those around them. Servant leadership also aims to develop leadership qualities in others. This …