How can servant leaders navigate power dynamics in diverse workplaces?

1 Understand power

Power is not a fixed or static concept, but a dynamic and relational one. Power can be based on various sources, such as position, expertise, influence, or identity. Power can also be exercised in different ways, such as coercive, legitimate, reward, or referent. Power can affect how people communicate, behave, and perceive each other, as well as how they respond to leadership. As a servant leader, you need to understand your own sources and styles of power, and how they may impact your diverse followers. You also need to be aware of the power dynamics among your followers, and how they may affect their interactions, conflicts, and collaboration.

2 Share power

One of the key principles of servant leadership is to share power with others, rather than hoarding or abusing it. Sharing power means delegating authority, responsibility, and decision-making to your followers, and giving them autonomy and voice. Sharing power also means recognizing and valuing the diverse sources and styles of power that your followers have, and creating opportunities for them to use and develop them. Sharing power can enhance your followers' motivation, engagement, and performance, as well as their trust and loyalty to you. Sharing power can also reduce the potential for resentment, resistance, or oppression that may arise from unequal or unfair power distribution.

3 Balance power

While sharing power is important, it does not mean that you should abdicate or relinquish your own power as a leader. You still need to exercise your power when necessary, such as setting direction, providing feedback, resolving conflicts, or ensuring accountability. However, you need to balance your power with humility, empathy, and service. You need to acknowledge your limitations, mistakes, and biases, and seek feedback and learning from others. You need to understand and respect the diverse needs, perspectives, and experiences of your followers, and adapt your leadership style accordingly. You need to serve your followers by providing them with support, resources, guidance, and opportunities for growth.

4 Transform power

The ultimate goal of servant leadership is to transform power from a source of domination or competition to a source of collaboration and empowerment. This means that you need to create a culture where power is not used to control or manipulate others, but to enable and inspire them. You need to foster a sense of shared vision, purpose, and values among your diverse followers, and align their individual and collective goals. You need to encourage a climate of openness, honesty, and feedback, where everyone can express their opinions, concerns, and ideas without fear or judgment. You need to facilitate a process of mutual learning, innovation, and problem-solving, where everyone can contribute their diverse knowledge, skills, and perspectives.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?