Edward DeAngelis, CEO, EDA Contractors, advocates emotional intelligence and psychological safety.
Servant leadership is very important to me. As business leaders, we strive to build natural and genuine relationships with our workforce, ideally to empower them, as people within the organization, and, in a collective sense, to demonstrate to each individual that the organization, as an entity, recognizes and appreciates…everyone.
To support employee retention and performance, leaders must make engaging with their teams a priority. Employees who feel appreciated and acknowledged may not only stay with an organization and be more productive and positive, but also improve customer experiences, increased sales and profitability for the entire organization.
It is my hope that my legacy, the legacy that I am building, will be one of servant leadership—that I built a company and, with the talents and support of my family, colleagues and remarkable team, gave rise to a community of care that positively impacted countless lives. Servant leaders have the opportunity to do that—to influence lives for the better. I can think of no more honorable opportunity as a business leader than to influence lives for the better.
In today’s rapidly evolving work experience, providing employees with pathways to enhance professional development has emerged as a cornerstone of employee engagement and organizational success.
This is a very good thing.
Providing professional advancement opportunities can boost confidence, creativity and job satisfaction for employees. By focusing on professional development opportunities and creating career advancement pathways, employees have a roadmap to their personal and professional success within an organization. To achieve this, it’s essential to set clear expectations, offer comprehensive training and create a positive work environment. These measures can improve employee performance and help them grasp their responsibilities and growth opportunities.
Here are four ways servant leaders can inspire and support employee development.
Cultivate a culture of continuous learning.
Thought leaders understand that learning doesn’t end with formal education but is a lifelong journey. To cultivate a culture where curiosity and a hunger for knowledge are celebrated, leaders must foster an environment that values continuous learning, inspire employees to seek out new skills, stay abreast of industry trends and pursue opportunities for growth. Lead by example when it comes to professional development. Show commitment to your own growth and development by continuously learning from others, developing key relationships and working with coaches. Modeling a dedication to learning and self-improvement can inspire your teams to do the same.
Provide resources and mentorship.
As a thought leader, you must recognize the importance of providing employees with the resources and support they need to succeed in their professional development efforts. Invest in your employees’ growth and development—whether it’s offering access to online courses, hosting lunch-and-learn sessions or providing financial assistance for further education. Mentorship and coaching are powerful tools for professional development. Help employees unlock their full potential and achieve their goals by pair them with mentors who can offer guidance, support and feedback as they navigate their career paths.
Set clear expectations and collaborative goals.
Thought leaders communicate clear expectations and goals for professional development, aligning individual growth with organizational objectives. Work with employees to identify areas for improvement and create personalized development plans that support both short-term skill enhancement and long-term career advancement. Leaders can foster a culture of collaboration by creating a supportive community where employees can learn and grow together. Create opportunities for employees to collaborate on projects, share expertise and learn from one another’s experiences.
Recognize achievements and empower everyone.
Thought leaders understand the importance of recognizing and celebrating employees’ achievements in their professional development journey. Whether it’s a promotion, completion of a certification program or mastering a new skill, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate milestones to foster a sense of accomplishment and motivation among your teams. Empowered employees who have opportunities for growth and development are more engaged and motivated. Provide opportunities for employees to take on new responsibilities and lead projects, which helps them grow and gain confidence.
Servant leaders have the opportunity to empower their workforces to thrive and succeed, one vibrant career at a time.
Servant leadership represents a commitment to shift from more traditional leadership philosophies. With servant leadership, the primary goal is to serve and empower employees. This approach, rooted in the principles of listening, empathy and stewardship, transforms the traditional power dynamics of organizations—resulting in the emergence of positive and inclusive workplaces nurtured by empathetic servant leaders committed to cultivating work environments in which all feel empowered, respected and served. At the end of the day, I find that there is no greater legacy for a business leader to aspire to achieve.
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