A Humble Coaching Imperative

In the symphony of leadership, a distinctive note resonates—the service-oriented mindset. Rooted in the principles of humble coaching, this mindset is not just a strategy; it’s a transformative force that propels leaders towards prioritising the needs of both the team and the organisation. In this blog, we explore the profound impact of a service-oriented approach, unveiling how humble coaching shapes leaders who are not just at the helm but also in service to a higher purpose.

“A company’s biggest strength doesn’t lie in its products/services. It always lies in its people—in their ability to cooperate closely and rally behind the organisation, especially during a crisis.” Sinek, S. (2014).

Understanding the Essence of Service-Oriented Leadership, at its core, a service-oriented mindset in leadership is about recognising that leadership is not a position but a responsibility—a responsibility to serve. Humble coaching acknowledges that leaders are not just driving forces but also facilitators, creating environments where every team member thrives. 

Here’s why a service-oriented mindset matters:

• Fosters Collaboration: A service-oriented leader prioritizes collaboration over competition, recognizing that collective success surpasses individual achievements.
• Strengthens Team Cohesion: By prioritizing the needs of the team, leaders build a sense of unity and shared purpose, fostering a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Drives Organizational Growth: When leaders extend their service mindset to the organization, they contribute to its sustainable growth, aligning strategies with the greater good.

“And innovative change comes more from listening than from telling, exemplary leaders are constantly looking outside themselves and their organization for the clues about what’s new or different, and what possibilities others are not seeing. They search for opportunities to innovate, grow, and improve. Exemplary leaders also experiment and tak risks”. Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017).

The Humble Coaching Framework for Service-Oriented Leadership

1. Leading by Example:

Humble coaching places a premium on leading by example. Service-oriented leaders model the behaviour they expect from their team, showcasing a commitment to service in action.

2. Empowering Others:

A service-oriented mindset involves empowering others. Humble coaching encourages leaders to identify and nurture the strengths of their team members, allowing them to thrive in their respective roles.

3. Seeking Feedback:

Leaders embracing a service-oriented mindset actively seek feedback. Humble coaching incorporates feedback loops where leaders not only provide guidance but also invite insights, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

4. Alignment with Organizational Values:

Humble coaching emphasizes the alignment of individual and team goals with organizational values. Service-oriented leaders ensure that every action contributes to the broader mission and vision of the organization.

Service in Action: The “SERVE” Framework

To embody a service-oriented mindset, leaders can utilise the “SERVE” framework:

Next Steps for Leaders Committed to Service

• Reflect on Leadership Motivation: Regularly reflect on the motivation behind your leadership. Is it rooted in service and a commitment to the greater good?
• Continuous Learning: Engage in continuous learning opportunities to enhance your leadership skills and deepen your understanding of service-oriented leadership.
• Mentorship: Seek or provide mentorship within your organization, creating a ripple effect of service-oriented leadership.

“Often, leaders try to keep emotions away from the workplace, thinking that it’ll make them more efficient. In reality, the opposite is true—when you lock away your heart/feelings, you also lock away the gifts of empathy and emotional literacy. This leads to disconnectedness from yourself and others, to reduce curiosity, engagement, courage and performance” Brown, B. (2018).
In conclusion, a service-oriented mindset is not just an approach; it’s a philosophy that transforms leadership from a position of authority to a position of service. Within the framework of humble coaching, leaders are not only guides but also servants, ensuring that every action contributes to the growth and well-being of the team and the organization at large. Lead with humility, lead in service, and witness the extraordinary impact on both your team and the greater mission you serve.

References:
Book: “Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t” by Simon Sinek. Sinek, S. (2014). Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t. Portfolio.
Journal Article: “Servant Leadership: A Theoretical Model” by Robert K. Greenleaf. Greenleaf, R. K. (1970). Servant Leadership: A Theoretical Model. Academy of Management Journal, 13(4), 469-475.
Book: “Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.” by Brené Brown. Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. Random House.
Journal Article: “Transformational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, and Laissez-Faire Leadership: A Meta-Analytic Comparison of Their Differential Relationships with Effort, Performance, and Job Satisfaction” by Bruce J. Avolio, Bernard M. Bass, and Dong I. Jung
Avolio, B. J., Bass, B. M., & Jung, D. I. (1999). Transformational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, and Laissez-Faire Leadership: A Meta-Analytic Comparison of Their Differential Relationships with Effort, Performance, and Job Satisfaction. Leadership Quarterly, 10(2), 285-305.
Book: “The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership” by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner. Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. Wiley.