Resilient Servant Leadership
More than ever, it has become more evident that a servant leader is the kind of leader needed to help navigate this pandemic we are facing. Facts are that no one has the experience to lead others through what we are dealing with currently. Leaders are experiencing the loneliness, frustration, and anxiety that all others feel and the unknowns around the corner.
It seems as though what is needed is the kind of leader that leads with compassion and understanding. Since so many are disconnected because of social distancing and a healthy fear of contracting a virus, the leader that is needed is a connected leader that is resilient. A resilient servant leader.
“A resilient servant leader notices where a person needs to be most resilient and provides them resources to facilitate their ability to create a better future and reconstruct significance in their lives.”
Lyle Tard
A resilient leader is like the old saying in the Timex watch commercials, “it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.” Servant leaders are dependable, always pointing toward the future, just as a watch does. The resilient servant leader can take the same bumps and bruises we all are taking right now, but internally keep focused on the future while reminding those they serve about that future hope. They understand that while the past has happened and we should learn from it, the future matters much more than the past in determining present well-being.
Resilience is about adapting now and developing momentum towards the future. As a Master Resilience Trainer, I understand there are multiple tenants and facets to resilience that do not fit all people in all situations. The incredible thing about a servant leader is that they are attuned to their people so that they are hyper-connected to who they are and how they excel. A resilient servant leader notices where a person needs to be most resilient and provides them resources to facilitate their ability to create a better future and reconstruct significance in their lives.
What we need are more leaders that can juxtapose positivity with reality. A resilient servant leader is able to do that. One of the great myths of servant leadership is that servant leaders are too happy-go-lucky and cannot face reality. This is far from the truth. I like how Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, puts it: “It’s personal humility, that’s the X-factor of great leadership...with an utterly indomitable will.” Servant leaders see reality, but their indomitable will towards others’ greatness drives them to consistent positivity. This is the breeding ground for resilience in leadership, for resilient servant leaders see the situation and its solution with little to no doubt.
Let’s review: Today, in the midst of COVID-19, we need leaders that can endure the current challenges we all face. They must remain intact to focus on the future while helping others focus on the future with the right mix of positivity and reality. This requires a resilient servant leader. Here are some practical steps to start to rebuild yourself as a resilient servant leader.
Lead with Compassion - Don’t get the job done and just expect others to be glad. Get the job done while caring about others, which is apart of getting the job done.
Increase Emotional Intelligence - We can’t become hyper-connected to others if we are disconnected to who we are and they are emotionally.
Be aware of situational resilience - One can be resilient naturally in one area and struggle in another place. Beware not to cancel a person’s ability to be resilient if they falter in one particular area.
Keep growing mentally - You must stay mentally engaged, servant leader! Not just at the moment, but always learning, ever-growing, seeking development! This is the proving ground to build your resilience!
Diversify your stress management - The best leaders have various methods of dealing with stress. Exercise, reading, laughing, meditation, the list goes on. Don’t just find one. If one way isn’t working, you’ll need to be able to shift.
There are just a few steps, but there is a lot needed to be this resilient servant leader. I am building tools to teach, train, and assist. If it might be helpful to you, reach out to info@impactservantleadership.com.
Lyle Tard
LYLE TARD is the Founder and CEO of IMPACT Servant Leadership, started in 2018. He has recently retired from active military service in the U.S. Air Force where he served honorably for more than 20 years. Lyle is currently making a difference as a leadership and career coach and consultant.