Characteristics of servant leadership include active listening, an ability to influence, direct action, providing a sense of motivation and a concern for the people they lead. Servant leaders are able to influence, guide and motivate staff as well as followers through effective communication and leading by example. They are able to set clear expectations, communicate effectively, listen and be motivated. The most important benefit of the role of the servant leader is that it enables you to gain respect for yourself, your team or your organization.
leadership keynote speaker Kurt Uhlir discusses achieving greatness
As part of your assessment for characteristics of servant leadership, you should be able to describe what it is that you do best, how you perceive the world and how others perceive you. You may have an analytical mind, so you might consider this type of leadership role in your curriculum vitae. You will also need to describe how you relate to others and how you can gain their respect. To be successful as a servant leader you must be able to clearly define your expectations, communicate them clearly to others and have a plan to achieve those expectations. Being a long-term relationship builder, you may also be expected to be available to help new members of your organization learn how to be efficient workers and how to create positive work environments.
It is important to take time to assess yourself and ask yourself if you have the characteristics of a successful leadership role. You should examine how you relate to your staff and how you can encourage them to be productive and how you can build confidence within them. You may also want to increase your vocabulary and reading skill, and to participate in activities that use language such as debates or puzzles. When looking at traits associated with servant leadership, you will want to focus on being confident, being accessible and providing support. You should consider working in an environment where there are established rules, where you can use your writing skills and where your interactions are monitored by senior management.