Building Business Empires with Servant Leadership Approach
Leadership, for me, can be a bit of a head-scratcher. I haven't had much practice leading a team, and I'm far from confident in my abilities to steer a group in the right direction. Yet, I've learned numerous leadership skills. But putting them into practice is quite another story.
Except for servant leadership. Jesus showcased this style of leadership through his interactions with the disciples.
Does Jesus Show Us the Way to Servant Leadership?
In Matthew 20, James and John's mother makes an interesting request. She asks that her sons be given seats of honor beside Jesus after he ascends to Heaven. Though it seems bold, I get where she's coming from, being a parent myself. Jesus refuses to grant that honor, but he does explain the path to great leadership:
"... But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave." (Matthew 20:26-27 ESV)
In essence, Jesus reveals that true greatness doesn't come from showing off your power, controlling people, or belittling others. Instead, true greatness arises from serving each other, even as a servant serves their master, just as Jesus did for the disciples and the world.
How Can we Practically Show Servant Leadership?
The week before he dies, they're all having dinner together. Jesus knows his time is running out, yet he rises from the table, takes off his robe, pours water into a basin, and kneels down to wash each disciple's feet, even Judas, who would betray him that very night.
What Does it Mean to Serve in the Modern Era?
Jesus didn't scrub our modern feet, but the essence of his message - humility, compassion, and selflessness - remains relevant today. In practical terms, it's about taking on responsibilities, even if they're menial and unglamorous, that make someone else's life a little better.
In today's world, acts of service could mean sacrificing your own salary for your employees' livelihoods, going above and beyond for customers, or taking on additional tasks delegated to you, even if they're not technically in your job description.
How Does This Apply to a Ghostwriter?
As a ghostwriter, I don't have employees, but I do have clients and customers.
I strive to support them by adapting my schedule to fit their needs, even if that means early mornings, evenings, or even weekends. I'm also committed to crafting the best books possible - not cutting corners or rushing through the process but investing my time and effort where necessary to create a lasting impact.
If you've been dreaming of writing a book, I'd love to help. Let's schedule a time to discuss your ideas and how I can assist you on your writing journey. Can't find a time that works for you? Don't hesitate to email me, and I'll make sure to accommodate you.
References:
- Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. Paulist Press.
- Spears, L., & Manz, C. C. (2006). High-impact Leadership: Leading Others for Consistent, Sustained, and Significant Results. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Albig, J. T., & Stran, R. F. (Eds.). (2013). The Oxford Handbook of Servant Leadership: Theory, Research, and Practice. Oxford University Press.
- Schein, E. H. (2009). Humble Inquiry: The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
- Bingham, L. B. (2015). The Nehemiah Factor: Five Leadership Lessons from the Old Testament's Greatest Leader. Review & Herald Publishing Association.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
Modern-day servant leadership for a ghostwriter entails a professional approach geared toward the clients' growth, well-being, and success, fostering emotional intelligence and support in the collaboration. This service-oriented leadership takes many forms:
- Guiding and Empowering Clients A servant ghostwriter walks alongside clients, helping them articulate their ideas, develop their voice, and build confidence in their message. They offer constructive feedback, listen attentively, and make sure the client's goals and vision are central to the project.
- Facilitating Learning and Development A servant ghostwriter provides resources and mentorship to help clients learn and grow throughout the writing process, for example, by sharing writing tips, explaining publishing procedures, or coaching clients on public speaking.
- Building Trust and Integrity By consistently delivering high-quality, confidential, and transparent work, a servant ghostwriter builds trust with clients. They prioritize the clients' interests, maintain ethical standards, and uphold accountability throughout the project.
- Practicing Emotional Intelligence A servant ghostwriter uses empathy to adapt to the unique needs of each client, navigate sensitive topics, and resolve conflicts effectively. This emotional awareness aids in managing a diverse team and encouraging collaboration within the creative process.
- Fostering Authenticity and Meaning A servant ghostwriter helps clients find and express their authentic voice, assisting them in overcoming imposter syndrome or reluctance. They focus on what truly matters to the client, enabling them to create work with genuine meaning and impact.
In summary, modern servant leadership for a ghostwriter is about empowering clients, championing their growth and well-being, building trust, employing emotional intelligence, and assisting clients in creating meaningful work that reflects their values and purpose.
- Incorporating servant leadership into my ghostwriting business means putting my clients' desires above my own, adapting my schedule to meet their needs, and delivering high-quality work while fostering emotional intelligence and support throughout the collaboration process.
- Drawing inspiration from Jesus's servant leadership, I can strive to invest my time and effort into crafting the best books possible, even taking on additional tasks not technically in my job description, to make a lasting impact on my clients' personal and professional growth.
