Getting Started with deServing Leadership

I am often requested to summarize the most relevant traits that can help managers exemplify deServing Leadership. A deServing leader is committed to helping others and transforming the world for the better, rather than committing to just the fundamental values that constitute being an effective leader. I have found that applying the following in word and deed multiplies success and satisfaction — personal and professional, for you and your colleagues:

Vision: While setting a vision is the key to success, there are often two critical failures — failure to develop a vision and to get buy-in for their vision. DeServing leaders address both failures by first modeling a vision for the organization and then inspiring a team to share that vision.

Ethics over Profits: deServing leaders must be clear on non-negotiables that define their integrity, identify how integrity increases long-term profitability, and remind their teams that ethical business practices reduce long-term risk.

Focused Flexibility: deServing leaders must be willing to abandon a path when it proves futile (see my other blogs about failing forward), balance strategy with execution, and proactively seek and respond to market trends.

People First: Perhaps the most fundamental trait of deServing leaders are — recognizing and responding to the needs of your team, actively resolving issues, and respecting every team member through word and deed.

Empowerment: deServing leaders create a safe environment for employees to grow, allow for risks, and cultivate shared goals that inspire ownership of work responsibilities.

Privilege People: As Simon Sinek said, “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” deServing leaders show tangible appreciation for their team, put people first, and are proactively kind to their team.

Be Humble: As Pastor Rick Warren suggests, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” DeServing leaders recognize that every leader has room for improvement, continuously self-evaluating and seeking the team’s feedback, and looking for opportunities to connect with others that demonstrate that you are genuinely approachable.

In my opinion, while this is a small list of deServing Leadership traits, they are the most important and practical. deServing leadership is about being intentional in your effort to put others above yourself for the organization’s greater good.