Learn how servant leadership can create a more inclusive culture and foster greater participation and engagement from underrepresented groups in decision-making processes.

In my experience, allowing underrepresented groups the opportunity to use their own voice is an invaluable contribution to an individuals' growth. When presented the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process, ensuring their their voices are not only "represented", as in re-stated by a third-party, but allowing them to present their own perspectives is a very powerful way to close the representation gap, as well as create confidence. Not just confidence in the individual, but in the organization's perception of underrepresented groups. While it may not always be possible to bring everyone to the table, servant leadership is about pushing past barriers, and what better way to do than to amplify the voices of all talent?

Another way to empower employees is to celebrate their achievements. Talk about wins at Town Hall meetings, in newsletters, in announcement Slack channels. Make sure to call out the names of the employees who contributed to the win, and explain the business impact of their actions. This way you will amplify their voices, increase visibility, and also help them connect the results of their everyday work to large-scale business outcomes. Being the internal champion of my teams is one of your key responsibilities as a servant leader.

How can servant leadership empower underrepresented groups in decision-making?

Servant leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on serving the needs, interests, and goals of others, rather than imposing one's own vision or agenda. Servant leaders are humble, empathetic, and collaborative, and they seek to empower and develop their followers. By practicing servant leadership, you can create a more inclusive and respectful culture in your organization, and foster greater participation and engagement from underrepresented groups in decision-making processes. In this article, you will learn how servant leadership can empower underrepresented groups in decision-making, and what steps you can take to become a more effective servant leader.

1 Identify and address barriers

One of the first steps to empower underrepresented groups in decision-making is to identify and address the barriers that prevent them from having a voice and influence in your organization. These barriers may include cultural norms, unconscious biases, stereotypes, power dynamics, communication styles, or lack of access to information or resources. As a servant leader, you need to be aware of these barriers, and actively work to remove or reduce them. You can do this by creating a safe and supportive environment for dialogue, listening to different perspectives and feedback, challenging assumptions and prejudices, and providing equal opportunities and recognition for all.

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Alexis Felton, PMP

Sr. Solutions Specialist, PPM at Smartsheet | Strategy, Planning, & Execution | Process Improvement | Organizational Change Management
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In my experience, allowing underrepresented groups the opportunity to use their own voice is an invaluable contribution to an individuals' growth. When presented the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process, ensuring their their voices are not only "represented", as in re-stated by a third-party, but allowing them to present their own perspectives is a very powerful way to close the representation gap, as well as create confidence. Not just confidence in the individual, but in the organization's perception of underrepresented groups. While it may not always be possible to bring everyone to the table, servant leadership is about pushing past barriers, and what better way to do than to amplify the voices of all talent?

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2 Involve and consult stakeholders

Another way to empower underrepresented groups in decision-making is to involve and consult them in the planning and implementation of your projects, initiatives, or strategies. By doing this, you can tap into their insights, experiences, and ideas, and ensure that your decisions are aligned with their needs, expectations, and values. As a servant leader, you need to be inclusive and transparent in your decision-making process, and seek input and feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders. You can do this by forming representative committees or teams, conducting surveys or interviews, hosting focus groups or workshops, or using online platforms or tools.

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Tom DeLuca

Shopper Insights & Strategy | Data Storyteller | Empathetic Consumer Advocate
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In my experience as a Shopper Insights / Marketing Researcher, I've found that applying servant leadership enhances collaboration and creativity. By valuing the input of every team member and creating an environment where ideas are freely shared, I've seen a significant boost in innovative thinking. This approach not only empowers team members but also leads to more comprehensive and insightful research outcomes, showcasing the effectiveness of servant leadership in the realm of marketing research.

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3 Delegate and share authority

A third way to empower underrepresented groups in decision-making is to delegate and share authority with them, and allow them to make decisions that affect their work or lives. By doing this, you can show trust and respect for their capabilities and contributions, and motivate them to take ownership and responsibility for their actions and outcomes. As a servant leader, you need to be flexible and adaptable in your leadership style, and adjust your level of involvement and guidance according to the situation and the needs of your followers. You can do this by setting clear goals and expectations, providing support and resources, encouraging creativity and innovation, and celebrating successes and failures.

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4 Develop and mentor leaders

A fourth way to empower underrepresented groups in decision-making is to develop and mentor them as future leaders, and help them grow their skills, confidence, and influence. By doing this, you can create a pipeline of diverse and talented leaders, who can bring new perspectives and solutions to your organization's challenges and opportunities. As a servant leader, you need to be committed and generous in your leadership development efforts, and invest time and energy in nurturing and coaching your followers. You can do this by identifying potential and readiness, offering feedback and guidance, facilitating learning opportunities and experiences, and connecting them with mentors and networks.

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Tom DeLuca

Shopper Insights & Strategy | Data Storyteller | Empathetic Consumer Advocate
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One thing I’ve found helpful in practicing servant leadership is active empathy. By putting myself in the shoes of my team members, I gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and aspirations. This understanding allows me to tailor my leadership approach, providing the necessary support and encouragement. By showing genuine care for their well-being, I've noticed a substantial improvement in team morale and productivity. Empathy, I believe, is a cornerstone of servant leadership that fosters a positive and inclusive work environment.

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5 Model and promote servant leadership

A fifth way to empower underrepresented groups in decision-making is to model and promote servant leadership in your own behavior and actions, and inspire others to do the same. By doing this, you can create a culture of service and collaboration in your organization, and foster a sense of community and belonging among your followers. As a servant leader, you need to be consistent and authentic in your servant leadership practice, and demonstrate your values and principles in every situation. You can do this by showing humility and gratitude, expressing empathy and compassion, building trust and rapport, and serving a higher purpose and vision.

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6 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?

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Ekaterina Syromyatnikova

Global Customer Support | Customer Success | Digital CS | Driving Revenue & Growth | Scaling Customer Experience
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Another way to empower employees is to celebrate their achievements. Talk about wins at Town Hall meetings, in newsletters, in announcement Slack channels. Make sure to call out the names of the employees who contributed to the win, and explain the business impact of their actions. This way you will amplify their voices, increase visibility, and also help them connect the results of their everyday work to large-scale business outcomes. Being the internal champion of my teams is one of your key responsibilities as a servant leader.

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How can servant leadership empower underrepresented groups in decision-making?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify and address barriers

2 Involve and consult stakeholders

3 Delegate and share authority

4 Develop and mentor leaders

5 Model and promote servant leadership

6 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

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How can servant leadership empower underrepresented groups in decision-making?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify and address barriers

2 Involve and consult stakeholders

3 Delegate and share authority

4 Develop and mentor leaders

5 Model and promote servant leadership

6 Here’s what else to consider

Servant Leadership

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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