Servant Leadership in Tech
As an engineering manager, you know that your role is about more than just managing people and projects. It’s about creating a positive and supportive work environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration. That’s where the power of servant leadership comes in.
Servant leadership is a philosophy that places the needs of the team above the needs of the individual leader. By focusing on serving others, you can create a culture of trust, open communication, and empowerment that helps your team thrive.
Practice empathy and emotional intelligence
Empathy and emotional intelligence are critical skills for any leader. Especially for the tech industry, most of the big tech company that I know of value this a lot. By understanding and responding to the emotions and needs of your team members, you can build stronger relationships and foster a more supportive work environment. Which open up to the second point.
Build trust and foster open communication
Trust is the foundation of any successful team, and it starts with open and honest communication. Encourage your team members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback openly and honestly, and be sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully.
There is a saying “Fail fast, Fail Forward”. We want to build a place where teams are willing to be vulnerable. Talking about their challenges and mistakes; not trying to act knowing it all. Only then, we can foster teamwork and focus on common problems.
Empower your team to take ownership of their work
Empowered teams take pride in their work and ownership. By providing the team with a sense of accountability and control in their work, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and productive.
Therefore, provide your team with the resources, support, and autonomy they need to succeed and trust them to make decisions and solve problems on their own.
Focus on continuous learning and growth
In the fast-paced world of tech, continuous learning and growth are essential. There is never ending of new things being launched. Your team grows with you. Strive to keep yourself up to date with the latest trends, so that you can provide your team with relevant advice.
Provide your team with opportunities for training, development, and career advancement, and encourage them to take ownership of their own learning and growth.
Lead by example
As a leader, your actions and behaviors set the tone for your team. Lead by example by demonstrating the values and behaviors you want to see in your team members. Be open, transparent, and authentic, and show a genuine interest in the success and well-being of your team.
An easy win is to have a true passion for tech and the role of your team. This way, you will be able to resonate with them more easily and lead them from their worldview. Ultimately, if people start to respect and be inspired by you. They want to be you.
Conclusion
By adopting the principles of servant leadership, you can create a positive and supportive work environment that empowers your team to succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned software engineering manager or just starting out, these strategies can help you become a more effective leader and build a strong personal brand in the tech industry.