As a leader, you're likely facing more challenges than ever before. Between the rapid pace of technological change and shifting expectations in the workplace, leading a team today can feel like playing chess and checkers simultaneously. Each piece wants fair treatment, but every individual needs something unique from you. That's where servant leadership comes into play—a timeless concept that offers a powerful way to navigate modern leadership challenges.
In my book Water the Bamboo, I compare great leaders to bamboo farmers. Bamboo farmers are patient, resilient, and, most importantly, servant leaders. They focus on nourishing the roots, knowing that true growth happens below the surface long before it's visible. In this post, I want to explore what it means to be a servant leader and how you can apply this mindset to foster growth in your team, yourself, and your organization.
What Is Servant Leadership?
At its core, servant leadership flips the traditional leadership model on its head. Instead of leading from the top down, a servant leader supports from the ground up. It's about removing obstacles for your team so they can thrive. As leaders, we often focus on achieving results, but servant leadership teaches us that results come from taking care of the relationships that drive those outcomes.
“Servant leaders put relationships first, knowing that strong relationships lead to better results.”
This idea isn't new. Robert Greenleaf popularized the term in the 1970s, but it's a concept that has existed for much longer. One of my favorite stories that captures the essence of servant leadership is from Herman Hesse's Journey to the East. In this story, a group of leaders embarks on a journey guided by a servant named Leo. Leo doesn't just perform menial tasks—he leads by removing obstacles, offering guidance, and supporting the group in ways that keep them moving forward. When Leo disappears, the journey falls apart, and the group soon realizes that Leo was the true leader all along.
How to Lead Like a Bamboo Farmer
So, what does it look like to be a servant leader in today's world? Here are a few fundamental principles I often share in my Water the Bamboo leadership seminars:
Remove Obstacles for Your Team. Like Leo, a servant leader focuses on clearing the path for their team. Whether it's streamlining processes, offering clear communication, or providing the necessary tools and resources, your job is to eliminate the barriers preventing your team from reaching their potential.
“It’s not about how well you perform as a leader; it’s about how well the people around you perform.”
Create Psychological Safety. Servant leaders create an environment where team members feel safe to take risks, voice their opinions, and collaborate. This concept is often called psychological safety and is one of the key ingredients for high-performing teams. When people feel supported, they're more likely to engage deeply in their work and contribute their best ideas.
High Expectations Paired with High Support. Leadership isn't just about being nice or agreeable. A servant leader holds their team to high standards and provides high levels of support to help them achieve them. The key is to balance expectation with compassion. When you believe in someone's potential and provide the resources they need to grow, extraordinary things happen.
“The real question for a servant leader is: How do I provide high support while maintaining high expectations?”
Be a Great Listener. Listening is one of the most underrated skills of a servant leader. It's not just about hearing words; it's about truly understanding your team's needs and challenges. Listening doesn't mean you must agree with everything, but it shows respect and builds trust. A team that feels heard will likely follow you through tough times.
Build a Bamboo Circle. In a grove of giant timber bamboo, each stalk is connected by an underground root system. The same principle applies to leadership: success is rarely achieved in isolation. Building a strong network of leaders who support one another is crucial. Your "bamboo circle" should be a place of deep connections where you can lean on others for guidance, support, and shared learning.
The Benefits of Servant Leadership
Why should you consider adopting servant leadership? The benefits speak for themselves:
Increased productivity: When obstacles are removed and teams feel supported, they can focus on their work and deliver better results.
Higher engagement: Servant leaders foster an environment where people feel valued and heard, which leads to greater commitment and enthusiasm.
Stronger relationships: By building strong relationships within your team, you'll create a culture of trust and collaboration.
Better performance: Teams that feel supported and valued consistently outperform teams that don't. It's that simple.
Developing Servant Leadership Skills
Here's the best part—servant leadership isn't something you're either born with or not. It's a set of skills that anyone can develop with practice. Start by becoming more intentional about listening, offering support, and thinking about how you can clear the path for your team. Over time, you'll notice a shift not just in how your team performs but in the overall culture of your workplace.
“The bamboo farmer knows that growth takes time and happens below the surface first. Be patient, nourish the roots, and watch your team thrive.”
As you reflect on your leadership style, ask yourself: How can I be a more servant leader? How can I help my team grow, thrive, and achieve extraordinary results? The answers to these questions are the key to creating your bamboo circle—a place where you, your team, and your organization can flourish together.
Thank you for taking the time to explore this concept with me. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to share it with others and continue the conversation on servant leadership. Together, we can create environments where everyone can grow and succeed.
This post is based on a podcast by Greg Bell. Listen to the full podcast below or watch: