The theory of servant leadership states that a good leader usually focuses on the needs of the people first. He/she first ensures the well being of the people and when the needs of the people are satisfied, and then it becomes easy to work with the employees. Generally, when the needs of the people are first met, the people feel motivates and hence work hard towards achievement of the organizational goals. A servant leader view him/herself as a steward of the resources of the organization he/she heads. He therefore uses the resources to first meet the needs of the employees before working with them. A servant leader usually aims at serving the people first before leading them (Greenleaf, 15).
According to Howard Schultz, profits and success of his company is not a major priority. According to him, satisfied customers make the employees loyal to the company and hence work hard in return so that the company eventually succeeds. This is why Howard Schultz ensured that he visited the families of all the deceased employees of his company (DuBrin, 118). This shows how great the company cares for the employees and their families. Howard Schultz helps the employees whenever they face any problems in their jobs. They themselves work hard in the organization to serve as an example. Howard Schultz also emphasizes that all the employees must learn to serve others. Whenever one of the employees faces a problem that needs financial aid, he not only supports the employee but also encourages the other employees to help such employee. Serving other employees makes it possible for the employees to learn the importance of meeting the needs of the customers.
I can utilize this information about servant leadership in my career by ensuring that incase I become a manager of any business organization; I will ensure that all the basic needs of the employees are meet. Such needs may include providing houses, transport and lunch for the employees. In addition, I will be ready to support any employee who faces any challenge to ensure that he is satisfied with the organization (Greenleaf, 97). This will ensure that the employees I work with are highly motivated in their jobs.
Works cited.
DuBrin, Andrew J. Leadership: Research Findings, Practice, and Skills. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
Greenleaf, Robert K, and Larry C. Spears. Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. New York: Paulist Press, 2002. Print.
