Commitment-Based Leadership: A Healthier Alternative to Servant Leadership

Have you ever heard of the term Servant Leadership?

If you have, you will know it’s a leadership philosophy centred around putting the needs of others before your own. If you haven’t, you’re about to discover a concept that, while admirable in theory, can lead to unhealthy dynamics in practice—especially for individuals, like those of certain genders, who may feel societal pressure to be overly giving.

Servant Leadership, first popularised by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s, emphasises being entirely selfless rather than self-centred or selfish as a leader. While avoiding the latter is crucial, being completely selfless and adopting a martyr-like mentality can also be unwise.

Here’s some of my thinking around it: the biggest issue with Servant Leadership is that it often portrays the leader as someone who is always self-sacrificing, constantly giving without regard for their own well-being. While serving your team is important, constantly giving without limits can lead to burnout.

This model can be particularly problematic for many of us—especially those of certain genders who face societal expectations to nurture and care. It reinforces the idea that leadership is about endlessly giving, which isn’t sustainable in the long run.

That’s where my concept of Commitment-Based Leadership comes in. This approach takes a different path by balancing service with personal well-being and boundaries. As a leader, you’re committed to your team’s success, but you're also committed to your own health and effectiveness in your role. Instead of being seen merely as the “giver,” you become a leader who is dedicated to both your team and yourself.

I drew inspiration for this concept from Adam Grant’s research in his book Givers and Takers; Grant categorises people into three groups: givers, takers, and matches. Givers are those who selflessly help others, often putting others’ needs before their own. Takers, on the other hand, aim to maximise their own benefits, often at the expense of others. Matchers strive for a balance, seeking to give and take equally.

Grant’s research reveals that givers who establish clear boundaries are often the most successful in their endeavours. They understand that while serving others is important, it should not come at the expense of their own well-being. In this sense, Servant Leadership, which often emphasises the selfless nature of givers, can overlook the necessity of boundaries. By adopting Commitment-Based Leadership, we acknowledge that true giving involves balancing the needs of others with the leader's own health, ensuring sustainable success for both the leader and the team.

So, how will this approach help you and your team?

For You as a Leader:

• Prevention of Burnout: By setting clear boundaries, you maintain your energy levels, ensuring you can lead effectively over time.
• Better Focus on Priorities: Committing to both your needs and your team’s success allows you to prioritise tasks effectively, preventing overwhelm.
• Confidence in Decision-Making: When you establish limits on how much you give, you can make decisions without the pressure of meeting every need.

For Your Team:

• Empowerment Through Accountability: Your boundaries encourage team members to take responsibility for their roles, fostering a culture of shared ownership.
• Clear Expectations: By demonstrating your commitment to your own well-being, you help your team understand what they can expect from you, creating stability.
• Encouragement of Growth: A balanced leadership approach allows you to challenge your team appropriately, helping them to develop their skills and capabilities.

I’m sure you would agree that Commitment-Based Leadership gives you a more balanced and sustainable way to lead. It emphasises your dedication to your team and yourself, ensuring you remain strong, engaged, and effective. This approach is particularly important for those who already feel pressure to be overly giving, as it offers a framework for setting healthy boundaries while still prioritising service.

But here’s the key thing to remember: Commitment-based leadership isn’t a leadership style—it’s an approach. One that’s especially helpful when you want to connect effectively with your people. In fact, it’s part of my acronym, C.O.N.N.E.C.T., which I use to guide leaders in building meaningful, authentic relationships with their teams while maintaining their own well-being.

As always, I trust this has been helpful in some way, shape or form.

Until next week, lead well

Kylie

Kylie Paatsch Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Facilitator, passionate about unlocking the potential in leaders, teams, and organisations. Through personalised one-on-one coaching and interactive workshops—both in person and online—I offer simple, practical, and personally tested tools and techniques to help you lead with confidence and build a strong team culture.

If you are interested in learning more about what I do and how I might be able to help, please send me a direct message or email kylie@kyliepaatsch.com.au