By Liz Pollack, MS, ACPEC, Certified Coach and Leadership Development Trainer
I was blessed because I was able to experience first-hand the truth of something I have always believed: the best leaders are servants. For almost eight months, while leading a team that helped those devastated by the 2013 tornado, I was able to do just that. I was a supervisor by title but chose to lead as a servant. I embraced the philosophies of servant leadership first because they align with my own values and second because they work. The focus of servant leadership is to care for those you lead by sharing power, putting their needs first and helping them develop.
First, I had to break down barriers of status and rank. The team of eight wonderful people did not work for me. They might have been “under me” on the organizational chart; but our focus was the common mission, not status or power. I frequently asked questions, included them in strategizing and acknowledged that they often had the answers when I did not. They rose to each and every call for input with enthusiasm. They soon knew that their opinions and expertise mattered.
Now that they had taken their share of power and knew they were valued contributors, it was time to help them see that I cared and wanted the best for them. I wanted to help them; not just use their knowledge, skill, and efforts. Yes, I filled my administrative duties but my priority was listening to the case managers. They shared their concerns and frustrations with me. They told me what obstacles they were facing and together we looked for solutions. I clearly saw my role as the remover of obstacles. Their energy needed to be with those they were helping. Listening enabled me to know each person — what they cared about, what motivated them, what de-motivated them and what they needed. Sometimes they needed to let off some steam, sometimes they needed to cry, but always they needed to be heard. I loved being that “go-to” person for them. We worked through frustrations, engaged in difficult conversations, and had our share of inside jokes.
In those eight blessed months, I was an observer as well as a quiet leader. I watched them support each other, deal professionally with occasional internal conflicts, make effective decisions, take pride in the office environment and the team and work faithfully to help and inspire others. Many did this while battling their own health issues and family issues. When my contract ended and it was time for me to return to my own business, I said goodbye to an amazing team, but I did so knowing that our time together had an impact on each and every one of us. At first, I grieved the role I left behind. Then I realized that I am still a servant leader. Each and every day I can live that role as I serve others, help remove their obstacles and burdens, smile at them, listen to them, and watch them shine.
For more information contact Liz at 309-370-4492 or e-mail her at legup@mtco.com. Liz Pollack, MS, ACPEC, is a certified coach and leadership development trainer and owns Leg Up Services.
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