Silence the Doubts—Anyone Can Become a Servant Leader (Here's How)

Have you ever thought, "I’m just not leadership material?” Or maybe you’ve wondered if true leadership is reserved for those with loud voices or big titles. Here’s the truth: anyone can be a great leader when they approach it with the right mindset and tools.

In Servant Leader: A Special Kind of Person, a Landon M. Marly book that guides readers to understand that leadership isn’t about being perfect or in control—it’s about empowering others to succeed. Let’s explore how this powerful approach can help you understand your potential as a servant leader.

It’s Not About Being “In Charge”

A key shift in servant leadership is moving away from thinking of leadership as “in charge.” Instead, it’s about setting up your team for success and stepping aside to let them shine. The best leaders are those who make it possible for others to succeed.

From Self-Doubt to Self-Reflection

Self-doubt often comes from not knowing where to start. But the solution isn’t just to try to control everything. Instead, it is about taking time for self-reflection. He encourages leaders to look at their strengths and weaknesses not with judgment but with curiosity. By understanding yourself, you can lead others with clarity and authenticity.

Try This!

List three strengths you bring to the table and three areas where you want to grow. Use these insights to shape your path toward servant leadership.

Building Trust One Step at a Time

Trust isn’t built overnight, and servant leaders know that each action counts. You build trust by consistently showing up for your team—listening to them, valuing their input, and respecting their autonomy. This trust is the core of servant leadership, converting a team into a connected, motivated group ready to give their best.

Think Like a Gardener, Not a Boss

Marly introduces an exciting metaphor in his book: the leader as a gardener. Like a gardener takes care of each plant, a servant leader cares for each team member, understanding their unique strengths and needs. Instead of pulling weeds (aka micromanaging), servant leaders focus on providing the right environment, resources, and encouragement for their team to flourish.

Small Acts of Empowerment = Big Results

Empowerment is key in servant leadership. Rather than holding all the power, servant leaders share it with their team. Assigning responsibilities and giving team members space to make decisions helps them take ownership of their roles. Empowered teams are more productive, innovative, and engaged.

Progress Over Perfection

 

Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progressing. Mistakes and challenges are part of the journey. Each step, no matter how small, builds resilience and promotes a growth mindset for you and your team. All employees look for inspiring team leaders and if you’re one, then you’ve reached the mark of being a servant leader.

Remember: Every leader faces setbacks. Instead of focusing on the mistakes, look at the lesson it brings. Progress isn’t linear, but every effort counts toward becoming a better leader.

Leading with Heart

The Final Transformation

Servant leadership might sound too good to be true, but it changes the game when applied genuinely. Leading with heart means you’re invested in your team’s success. Being a leader who serves first creates an atmosphere where people feel safe, valued, and motivated to give their best.

Conclusion

It’s natural to doubt your potential as a leader, but anyone can grow into a servant leader with the right approach. Marly’s Servant Leader: A Special Kind of Person is more than a book— it’s a guide to servant leadership. It offers a roadmap to becoming a leader who empowers, inspires, and leaves a lasting positive impact.

Ready to begin? Remember, the journey to great leadership isn’t about perfection but progress, purpose, and putting people first.

Call to Action

Are you ready to lead with heart and empower your team? Servant Leader: A Special Kind of Person by Landon M. Marly is your essential guide to becoming the leader you were meant to be. Start your journey to servant leadership today—grab your copy and change the way you lead!