Servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enrich the lives of individuals, build better organizations, and ultimately create a more just and caring world. Many successful CEOs have embraced servant leadership to improve their organizations. In this article, you will learn about the benefits of servant leadership, how Richard Yu employs it, and how you can implement it in your business.
What is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership is a philosophy where people work together to make things better for everyone. It is about putting others first, starting with believing everyone has something to contribute.
The philosophy has been around for centuries, but the term “servant leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970. In his essay, The Servant as Leader, Greenleaf said that servant-leaders are people who are “consciously aware of the need to serve others.”
Greenleaf believed that servant leadership was the key to creating successful organizations. He said that servant leadership is about “building better organizations and ultimately creating a more just and caring world.”
Servant leadership throughout history
Since then, the concept of servant leadership has been adopted by organizations and leaders worldwide.
Mahatma Gandhi
One of the more famous servant leaders was Mahatma Gandhi. He led the Indian people in their fight for independence from British rule in the early 1900s.
Gandhi believed in nonviolent resistance and used it to great effect in his struggle against the British. He also believed in putting others first and often said his only desire was to serve his people.
His nonviolent resistance philosophy inspired people worldwide, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King was also a servant leader. He fought for the civil rights of African Americans in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Like Gandhi, he believed in nonviolent resistance. He also believed in the power of service and often said that his only goal was to “serve humanity.”
Dr. King’s philosophy of servant leadership was instrumental in the civil rights movement, helping to end segregation and racial discrimination in the country, and it continues to inspire people today.
Nelson Mandela
Another famous servant leader was Nelson Mandela. He was the first black president of South Africa, and he served from 1994 to 1999. Mandela was a political prisoner for 27 years during the apartheid regime in South Africa. He was released from prison in 1990 and subsequently led the country in its transition to democracy.
Mandela was a firm believer in the power of service. He said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
Mandela’s servant leadership philosophy helped end apartheid in South Africa and established a new democracy. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world.
Richard Yu and the servant leadership ideology
Richard Yu is the founder of “Impact Clients Coaching Programs”, which teaches people how to build an internet consulting firm from scratch to six and seven-figure earning potential.
Social media entrepreneur
Beginning as an intern for an online fitness coach, Richard Yu quickly became a household name in the Youtuber community. His channel subscriptions skyrocketed to over 100k in just over a year due to his highly engaging videos on online coaching business tactics, high performance, and spirituality.
High-performance business coach
Known for his unique strategies and ability to leverage social media for organic business growth, Yu created one of the most prominent business coaching firms. In 2020, he began his High Performance Influencer training program, geared to instruct business owners and industry experts on how to scale their companies to even greater heights.
American Philanthropist
Guided by faith and the belief in serving others, Richard Yu created two charitable organizations that allow customers to pick where their donations go. Generosity Designs, founded in 2017, offers custom-made jewelry and a 25% donation to the charity of the customer’s choosing. Generosity Cash was started a year later, becoming the first US-based ATM system that donates surcharge fees.
Implementing Servant Leadership in your Business
Consider implementing a servant leadership philosophy to create a successful and sustainable business. Here are a few tips on how to do so:
Put your employees first
Your employees are the key to your success. Make sure you invest in their development and well-being. Creating a harmonious and motivating work environment will help you attract and retain the best employees.
Be a role model
Leaders should always set an example for their employees, strive to live by the values they preach, and embody the qualities they wish to see in their team. This is the key to building trust and inspiring others to follow your lead.
Invest in education and training
Offer your employees opportunities to learn new skills and develop their careers. Investing in employee development will help you create a more productive and innovative workforce.
Support charitable causes
Giving back to the community is a vital part of servant leadership. By supporting charitable causes, you can positively impact the world around you. To find local causes to help, you can search online or ask your employees for suggestions.
Final Thoughts
Servant leadership is a powerful philosophy that can help you create a successful and sustainable business. To make a thriving company, put your employees first and invest in their development. Richard Yu is a prime example of how servant leadership can lead to success. By following his example, you too can create a prosperous business while positively impacting the world.
