How Servant Leadership is Beneficial for Women in the Workforce

This leadership style stands in contrast to traditional hierarchical models, which often prioritize authority and control. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the relevance of servant leadership in fostering inclusive and diverse workplaces, particularly concerning the role of women in the workforce. “This concept popularized by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s, emphasizes the leader’s responsibility to prioritize the needs of their team members and help them grow and succeed” (fastercapital.com, 2024). Women have historically faced systemic barriers and biases in the workplace, including limited access to leadership positions, wage disparities, and unequal opportunities for career advancement. Servant leadership offers a promising framework for addressing these challenges by promoting values such as empathy, empowerment, and collaboration. We learned in this week’s reading that “Empathetic servant leaders demonstrate that they truly understand what followers ae thinking and feeling” (Northouse, 2021 p. 255).

One way servant leadership can benefit women in the workforce is by creating a supportive and inclusive organizational culture. Servant leaders prioritize the well-being and development of their team members, creating an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and heard regardless of their gender. “Putting others first is the sine qua non of servant leadership-the defining characteristic. It means using actions and words that clearly demonstrate to followers that their concerns are a priority, including placing followers’ interests and success ahead of those of the leader” (Northouse, 2021 p. 262). By fostering a culture of inclusivity and trust, servant leaders can mitigate the effects of gender discrimination and bias, allowing women to thrive and contribute their fullest potential. Servant leadership emphasizes the importance of mentorship and coaching, providing opportunities for women to receive guidance and support in their professional growth. Servant leaders actively seek to understand the unique challenges and aspirations of their team members, offering personalized support and mentorship to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. This approach is particularly beneficial for women who may face additional barriers to advancement in male-dominated industries or leadership roles.

Additionally, servant leadership encourages collaboration and teamwork, valuing diverse perspectives and contributions. By fostering a culture of collaboration, servant leaders create opportunities for women to participate fully in decision-making processes and contribute their unique insights and expertise. This collaborative approach not only enhances organizational performance but also helps to break down gender stereotypes and biases, promoting gender equality in the workplace. Servant leaders prioritize servant leadership, women are more likely to feel empowered and motivated to take on leadership roles themselves, serving as role models and mentors for future female leaders. “Servant leaders make followers’ career development a priority,  including mentoring followers and providing them with support” (Northouse, 2021 p. 262). This style of leadership great promise for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workforce. By prioritizing the needs of others, fostering inclusive cultures, and providing opportunities for growth and development, servant leaders can help create workplaces where women can thrive and succeed, ultimately benefiting individuals, organizations, and society.

References:

Northouse, P.G. (2021). Leadership: Theory & Practice (9th e.d.). SAGE Publishing.

“Servant Leadership: Putting Others First with the Leadership Grid Update.” FasterCapital, fastercapital.com/content/Servant-Leadership–Putting-Others-First-with-the-Leadership-Grid-update.html. Accessed 30 Mar. 2024.