Servant Leadership Builds Better Organizations and Creates a Better World

Thesis: Servant Leadership Provides Best Results

Supporting Point 1: As the game industry has evolved, so too have the most effective ways to manage teams. Personally, I've found that a style of management called "Servant Leadership" generates the best outcomes when working with highly creative teams and tackling complex problems. It's best implemented when combined with other management models and a vision that's clearly communicated to all. As a leader it's my job to figuratively plant the flag on the hill, and then shift to being of service to the team as they climb to the top. Providing them with whatever tools, motivation, nurturing, and guidance they need along the way. Check out this link for a concise overview of Servant Leadership and how you can practice it.

Supporting Point 2: While servant leadership is a timeless concept, the phrase "servant leadership" was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in The Servant as Leader, an essay that he first published in 1970. In that essay, Greenleaf said: "The servant-leader is servant first… A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the "top of the pyramid," servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. The Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is "to advance the awareness, understanding and practice of servant leadership by individuals and organizations". They explain Servant Leadership in more detail here.

Supporting Point 3: In a Harvard Business Review article, retired United States Marine Corps officers Angie Morgan and Courtney Lynch discuss how the USMC utilizes service-based leadership. They explain that the basis of service-based leadership is prioritizing your team's needs before your own. As Marine officers, they always ate last, ensuring others had food on their plates before theirs were filled. During down time, they kept their teams busy with training opportunities so they could broaden their skills, which also curtailed complacency. When it was dark and cold in the field, Captains Morgan and Lynch made a point of being present on the lines (not hiding out in a warm tent) to show their teams they were right there with them. Through their actions, they demonstrated that they were willing to go without food, free time, and comfort to ensure their people knew they were supported.

Bonus Material: Marlene Sharp had the following reaction when she first heard about Servant Leadership, which highlights the opportunities and benefits to all of us when sharing ideas on LinkedIn… "Thanks, Chris Hewish, for demystifying the urban legend of 'servant leadership!' It is real, and it has a Wikipedia entry! Wow! Perhaps I hadn't noticed previously, because no one has practiced this art on me. I've been on the receiving end of management by terror, non-management, and in the kindest scenarios, tough love. Now that I am woke, I promise to embody 'servant leadership.' It is the business equivalent of the Golden Rule."

Fun Fact: In the Fifth century BC, Rome had been invaded and needed a leader who could seize the moment and save the day. They called upon a man who was out plowing his field, a farmer. He came. He saw. He conquered. He went home. Cincinnatus gained fame for his selfless devotion to his country. This half-legendary hero of the Roman Republic gave his all in a time of crisis and then gave up the reins of power when the task was done and went back to his plow. A true example of Servant Leadership.

Conclusion: Servant leadership is the single most valuable approach to leadership, and it's an approach that no leader can afford to ignore. Click here to learn more about the elements of Servant Leadership and how you can incorporate them into your own management style. If you're still unsure or think this is a fringe concept, then check out these 7 lessons from Yoda; a modern example of the servant leader.

Extra Credit: Share your thoughts on leadership styles, whether those used by yourself or others you've worked with.

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About Chris Hewish

Chris Hewish is a veteran game developer, executive and entrepreneur who's helped many great teams ship over 50 games earning over $1B. You can follow him on LinkedIn and his website www.GameCraft.games.

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