By Manoj Gupta

I have always loved sports since my school days having ventured into different ones. Thanks to the sports, I have learnt a lot of mental fortitude and resilience that one requires to be an adaptable leader today.

As I begin this topic, let's dive into a tale of sportsmanship and leadership. A friend once told me about a soccer match where the captain was playing his 100th game. With an open goal post in front of him, everyone thought he would score the goal as he had achieved a unique milestone. Instead, he passed the ball to a younger teammate. The stadium erupted as the upcoming youngster scored and revelled in the moment. Even the captain was the first person to hug and wish him. This example reminded me that true leadership isn't about individual achievements but about uplifting others and having visionary leadership skills. That’s what I call servant leadership, which can take your business or organisation to places.

Here are some true essentials that you require:

‘We’ before ‘I’

A servant leader needs to put team first. They are there to serve, to guide. Empathy, Compassion and Emotional Intelligence are must-haves for any servant leader. They have to put aside their egos and work in the business ecosystem around them. As a leader, understand that your team's success is your success. One leader who truly inspires servant leadership is Ingvar Kamprad, Founder of IKEA. Being one of the wealthiest people and in charge of the largest furniture retailers globally, he’s known to lead a frugal and modest lifestyle. He drove a modest car, encouraged IKEA employees to use both sides of a page when writing or printing and even stayed in budget hotels during business trips. His actions demonstrated a commitment to keeping costs low, ensuring that the savings could be passed on to customers and employees, ultimately putting their needs first.

It’s not just the corporate life that we see servant leaders. There are servant leaders all around us. Right from our Parents who selflessly work to help their families survive and thrive. Even in places like communities, schools and colleges, we have seen the role of our Teachers who put the future of their students first rather than their personal growth.

The Power lies in Empowering

A quote by one of the leading inspirational thought leaders - Simon Sinek strikes a chord with me, “Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge.” Servant leaders don’t micro-manage. Instead, they create leaders who see the macro picture. Servant leaders empower those around them to reach their full potential. Instead of micromanaging, they provide guidance and support, allowing their team members to spread their wings and fly. Rather than focusing on just company goals, they concentrate on building a community of leaders who can take charge.

An example from recent times is Vineet Nayar, former CEO and MD of HCLTech . His ideology of ‘Employees First, Customers Second’ catapulted HCL’s growth story, and I had the pleasure and honour to work with him.

Servant leadership is a holistic package

Just like we have a wholesome meal for a balanced diet, a servant leader should be holistic in his approach. For one, the servant leader should be driven by the foresight of the company and the insights of the people working in the team. They're like emotional healers, creating spaces where people feel understood and supported, where trust blooms like wildflowers in spring.

Now, add in a dash of foresight – these leaders aren't just living in the now, they're peering into the future too, spotting challenges before they even show up on the horizon. And let's not forget persuasion – they've got this knack for rallying the troops, painting vivid pictures of what's possible, and inspiring everyone to jump on board.

They are stewards of growth, nurturing talent, and cheering on every victory, big or small. And guess what? They're all about community building too – weaving connections, fostering collaboration, and creating spaces where everyone feels like they belong.

Let me introduce you to Warby Parker founded by Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa who epitomises servant leadership. They didn't just create a successful business, but created a socially conscious movement with their ‘Buy a pair, Give a pair’ initiative. For every pair of glasses sold, Warby Parker distributes a pair to someone in need. This commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is woven into the fabric of Warby Parker's identity, attracting employees and customers who share the company's ethos of giving back.

Summing up…

In this era of choppy tides, we are enveloping not only the Digital revolution but Leadership evolution too!

As a Consciouspreneur®, I can foresee exciting times ahead….