Principles
Video: David Marquette on Self-Organisation
Self-organisation is the most effective way to manage people, even on a naval vessel, through intent-based leadership.
Servant Leadership
Intermediate
difficulty
Stage 1
Agile IQ® Level
Self-Organisation
Practices
Agile Manifesto
Framework
Overview
In 2001, the Agile Manifesto suggested a different model to managers regarding what it means to deliver effectively. It reflected Robert K. Greenleaf’s 1970 essay “The Servant as Leader” where leaders, instead of prioritising their own agendas and objectives, they focus on meeting the needs of the organisation through first supporting their teams to succeed. When the team succeeds, the servant leader succeeds.
Agile Manifesto & Guardrails
"Build [your products] around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done."
Key Stats for servant leadership
x4.6
more likely to work to the best of their abilities in a servant leadership environment [2]
82%
higher job satisfaction [3]
6%
higher job performance [4]
8%
higher customer service quality [4]
50%
greater employee retention [4]
+$190M
company value over 5 years by transforming from a traditional model of leadership to a servant leadership model [4]
Experts' advice on servant leadership
Management Commitment
Video: Dan Pink on Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose
Without self-organisation – the ability to control what, when, and how we work – Dan Pink argues, we’ll never be completely motivated to complete a task.
Principles
Video: Jeff Sutherland on Self-Organisation
Agile leaders must move from a manager-led system of work, where people are delegated tasks and directed what to do
Connectedness
Encouraging Team Work
How do you help members of the team to be mutually committed to the goals and to each other?
Building Capability
Video: From T-Shaped to X-Shaped Skills by David Clifford
Deep dive into Tim Brown’s ideas of i-shaped, T-shaped and building X-shaped skills.
Building Capability
Video: Managers and taking care of those ‘in our charge’
Simon Sinek talking on true leadership starting with distinguishing between being ‘in charge’ versus taking care of those ‘in our charge’.
Guardrails
Video: Servant Leadership by Ken Blanchard
If you believe leadership is all about you then your leadership, by default will be more self-centred and not about the people you lead.
Building Capability
Video: Better Delegation with Management 3.0
Faster decision-making means faster delivery and “workers can often make better decisions than managers if there is trust in the system.”
Management Commitment
Video: The Future of your Future is Servant Leadership
Servant leadership allows us to identify ways for us to improve our individual commitment to those that we serve and support in order for us to achiev
References
1. Gomez, A. L (2022) What is servant leadership and how can it empower your team? Online at: https://www.betterup.com/blog/servant-leadership-what-makes-it-different
2. Beheshti, N. (2019) 10 timely statistics about the connection between employee engagement and wellbeing. Online at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nazbeheshti/2019/01/16/10-timely-statistics-about-the-connection-between-employee-engagement-and-wellness/
3. Hasanuddin, B., Mustainah, M., & Buntuang, P. (2021) The influence of servant leadership on job satisfaction with individual character as a moderating variable. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 19(1), 445-455.
4. Schwantes, M. (2016) 10 Compelling Reasons Servant Leadership May Be the Best, Says ScienceServant leadership is a powerhouse leadership style that will transform your culture and impact your bottom line.
