In the quest to uncover the essence of servant leadership, we’ve gathered insights from CEOs to founders, distilling their wisdom into seventeen key traits. From prioritizing the growth of direct reports to entrusting teams with responsibility for growth, these seasoned leaders share the pivotal characteristics that make a servant leader truly effective.
Prioritize Direct Reports’ Growth
Richard Branson said, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
In order to consider yourself a successful servant-leader, you must prioritize your direct reports’ career growth. I like to utilize the three E’s—experience, exposure, and education—to help people reach the next level in their career. Sometimes, that means they’ll leave my team, or they’ll leave my organization, but if I’ve helped them prepare to reach new heights and succeed, I’m thankful to be a small part of their extraordinary journey.
Jim Leahy, Head of Talent Acquisition, DailyPay
Embrace Generosity in Business
I would say that one key trait of a successful servant-leader is generosity—with time and money. We aim to have a generous spirit in all our business operations; we see our business as a resource that allows us to be generous to others. This can appear quite counter-cultural in the business community, where the demands of stakeholders and competitive work environments can lead to a self-centric attitude.
Instead, we aim to be generous with how much we pay our freelancers, generous when serving our clients, and generous when our team comes to us with problems. We believe this leads to happier clients, happier employees, and ultimately a more successful business.
There have been several times when showing generosity has led to surprising and wonderful benefits for our business. Once, doing a few extra jobs as a favor for one client (unpaid) led to him recommending us to a friend. This led to us securing a large contract.
You might claim that this is just due to excellent service, but people rarely recommend those who are grasping, difficult to work with, or unpleasant. We believe that our generosity was the reason we secured this contract.
Hannah Millist, CEO, Twogether Digital
Adaptability in Changing Landscapes
From my perspective as a business founder, one key trait of a successful servant-leader is adaptability. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to adjust strategies, processes, and leadership styles is crucial for long-term success.
As a leader, I’ve found that being adaptable allows me to navigate uncertain market conditions, technological advancements, and shifting customer demands effectively. This trait enables me to pivot when necessary, embracing new ideas and approaches rather than rigidly adhering to outdated methods. Adaptability also fosters a culture of innovation within the organization, encouraging team members to think creatively and propose novel solutions to challenges.
Michael A. Monette, Founder, Office Furniture Plus
Empathy Fosters Trust and Openness
I’ve seen firsthand how empathy is a key trait of a successful servant-leader. Empathy isn’t just about understanding others’ feelings; it’s about actively listening and genuinely caring for your team’s and community’s needs.
In my experience, leading with empathy creates a culture of trust and openness. For instance, I noticed some team members feeling overwhelmed during a particularly busy season. Instead of pushing them harder, I took the time to check in, ask how they were feeling, and discuss what support they needed. This simple act of empathy boosted morale and allowed us to brainstorm solutions together.
By prioritizing my team’s well-being, I’ve seen improvements in creativity and collaboration. People feel valued and are more willing to share ideas and take ownership of their work. Empathy fosters a strong sense of community within the workplace, enabling us to navigate challenges more effectively. It’s a reminder that successful leadership isn’t just about directing; it’s about uplifting others and building a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Danielle Hu, Founder, The Wanderlover
Active Listening Empowers Employees
One key trait of a successful servant-leader is active listening. In my experience, this trait is essential because it fosters trust, encourages open communication, and empowers employees by making them feel valued and understood. Active listening involves more than just hearing what team members are saying—it requires genuinely understanding their concerns, feedback, and ideas, and responding thoughtfully.
This trait is important because it builds a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. When employees feel that their leader is truly listening, they are more likely to engage openly, share innovative ideas, and take ownership of their roles. Active listening also helps leaders identify potential issues early, allowing for proactive solutions rather than reactive responses.
In practice, I’ve seen active listening directly improve team dynamics and performance. For example, during a project where employees felt overwhelmed, regular check-ins where I listened to their concerns and adjusted workloads accordingly led to higher morale, better focus, and ultimately, a more successful outcome. By being a leader who listens first, I could foster an environment where employees felt supported and motivated, resulting in greater productivity and job satisfaction.
Servant-leaders who master active listening not only drive stronger team performance but also create a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
Steven Mostyn, Chief Human Resources Officer, Management.org
Stay Grounded Amidst Chaos
A successful servant-leader should be grounded to bring a sense of calm and stability, especially when things get chaotic or stressful—an inevitable scenario in any fast-paced work environment. Once leaders panic or get swept up in the pressure, it ripples through the team, making everyone feel uneasy or scattered. On the contrary, when a leader stays grounded—focused, composed, and clear-minded—it sets a tone that reassures the team, no matter how tough the situation.
Moreover, being grounded means not letting ego or emotion take over, which is invaluable when leaders make difficult decisions or handle conflicts. In my experience, grounded leaders listen carefully, weigh options thoughtfully, and aren’t quick to jump to conclusions. They build trust by staying present and realistic, not detached. People naturally gravitate towards leaders who don’t lose their cool because it gives them confidence that things are under control, even if the path forward isn’t immediately clear.
Last but not least, I’ve observed that working with grounded leaders creates a healthier team dynamic. It fosters a space where people can approach problems without the added anxiety of uncertainty or reactive behavior from leadership. Isn’t that exactly how we’d all like to feel at work? I believe such a sense of balance and stability makes a huge difference in both individual performance and the team’s overall success.
Agata Szczepanek, Career Expert & Community Manager, LiveCareer
Cultivate Selflessness and Team Value
Selflessness is a fundamental trait of successful servant-leaders, and its importance truly shines in a collaborative environment. When leaders prioritize the needs of their team, they foster a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. This selflessness manifests in various ways, whether it’s mentoring team members, advocating for their professional development, or simply being available to listen to their concerns.
In my experience, when leaders demonstrate selflessness, it encourages employees to adopt a similar mindset. This creates a ripple effect, promoting teamwork and enhancing overall productivity. Team members feel empowered to step up, share their ideas, and contribute meaningfully to projects, knowing their input is respected and appreciated.
Selfless leaders build trust within their teams. When employees see that their leaders genuinely invest in their well-being and success, loyalty is cultivated, and turnover is reduced. In the long run, this enhances team dynamics and drives better business outcomes, as a motivated and engaged workforce is more likely to go above and beyond in their roles.
Josh Qian, COO and Co-Founder, Best Online Cabinets
Lead with Compassion and Understanding
One essential trait of a successful servant-leader is compassion. In my experience, leading with compassion allows me to truly understand the needs and concerns of my team, which builds trust and loyalty. When I take the time to listen and put myself in their shoes, it fosters a supportive environment where people feel valued. This leads to higher engagement and productivity.
For example, during a particularly stressful project, I made it a point to regularly check in with the team, offering flexibility and support. This approach not only strengthened our bond but also improved the quality of our work.
Chris Putrimas, CEO, Teak Warehouse
Put People First for Success
One key trait of a successful servant leader is putting people first. Simon Sinek once said, “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” This really shows why it’s important to focus on the team’s emotional investment.
A passionate and motivated team comes from leadership that shows care and appreciation. A leader who values the individual strengths of their team can inspire them to work with purpose. In my experience, when leaders focus only on tasks without acknowledging the people behind them, it creates a negative atmosphere. Team members may feel undervalued, and this often leads to poor performance and dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, expressing simple appreciation and respect can go a long way. It doesn’t take much; acknowledging effort, showing consideration, and offering encouragement can help employees feel valued.
David Magnani, Managing Partner, M&A Executive Search
Ownership Reassures and Focuses Team
The ability to take ownership is an integral trait of a successful servant-leader. In any situation, if the leader starts out by taking ownership of what has happened, as well as taking ownership of what will be done next, even if it is ultimately delegated, it helps reassure the team and have them focus on solutions instead of blame and fear.
Jenna VanArman, Operations Manager, Arman Electric
Humility Encourages Collaborative Growth
For me, humility is a key trait of a successful servant-leader. It’s about recognizing that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about being open to learning from those around you. I’ve found that when I step back and admit that I don’t know everything, it opens the door for others to step up and share their ideas. This has been especially important in e-commerce, where trends and technologies change rapidly.
My team feels empowered to contribute, knowing their voices matter, which has led to some great initiatives and improvements I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. Being humble also means acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility, which builds trust and credibility. In the end, humility fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is encouraged to grow together.
Chris Bajda, E-commerce Entrepreneur & Managing Partner, Groomsday
Self-Awareness Enhances Servant Leadership
I know that self-awareness is key to successful servant leadership. Knowing your own strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies allows you to better understand and serve your team.
For example, when I found my DISC personality style through assessment, it helped me see how my communication style and expectations weren’t always a good fit for my creative team members. By adapting my style to better empower them, we launched two innovative new service offerings ahead of schedule.
Another example is how I now involve my team in strategic planning. At first, I wrongly assumed only executives were capable of high-level thinking. When I started truly listening to input from all levels, the collective wisdom led to a revamped vision and mission that fueled new growth.
The most successful servant leaders recognize that their team’s knowledge and expertise far surpasses their own. Knowing yourself helps you know how best to draw that out in others.
Jay Owen, CEO, Business Builders
Effective Communication Builds Trust
As a construction manager and network engineer, a key trait I value in servant-leaders is effective communication. Clear communication builds trust, helps avoid mistakes, and empowers employees.
I struggled early on with delegating work to my team. By openly discussing responsibilities and expectations, my team felt empowered to work independently without constant oversight. Once I started communicating more regularly about project details and timelines, productivity and job satisfaction improved.
For example, on a network upgrade project, daily stand-up meetings kept everyone on the same page about tasks, roadblocks, and next steps. My team proposed innovative solutions I never would have considered. The project finished ahead of schedule and under budget.
Effective communication, through transparency and open dialogue, allows servant-leaders to tap into the full potential of their teams. By empowering others through clear guidance and trust, we accomplish more together. Leaders who communicate well are able to delegate with confidence.
Jimmy Hertilien, Senior Project Manager, Herts Roofing & Construction
Genuine Curiosity Drives Team Engagement
One key trait of a successful servant-leader is genuine curiosity.
I’ve found that genuine curiosity about your team’s perspectives, ideas, and challenges can be transformative. It’s not just about asking questions; it’s about deeply engaging with the answers and using that insight to drive positive change.
For example, when we were developing a new feature for a client’s site, I made it a point to understand not just the technical aspects but also the creative visions and concerns of each team member. My curiosity led me to ask questions about their processes and what they thought could be improved. This approach didn’t just uncover valuable insights but also made my team feel heard and appreciated.
Genuine curiosity shows that you value your team’s input and are committed to continuous improvement. It helps you connect with your team on a personal level, driving engagement and innovation. In essence, it turns leadership into an ongoing conversation rather than a one-way directive, making every project a collaborative adventure.
Harmanjit Singh, Founder & CEO, Website Design Brampton
Empower Employees in Customer-Facing Industries
Being a servant leader is highly beneficial, especially for us in the HVAC industry. When you lead with the mindset of serving, you essentially empower your employees to do their best because you are interested in their well-being and growth. This has the ripple effect of creating highly-dedicated and focused employees who love what they do. You need people working for you that love what they do in customer-facing industries because their professionalism and passion for their roles will directly contribute to a positive reputation for your business.
If you lead in an authoritarian manner where employees feel like they’re mere numbers or cogs in a machine, it could lead to them doing the bare minimum. When customers notice this, it has a direct effect in the way your business is perceived.
Anthony Smith, Director, Midland Air Conditioning
Reject Passivity, Accept Responsibility
Two key traits of servant leadership are intertwined in rejecting passivity and accepting responsibility. How many of us see poor leadership and lackluster performances from employees when we go to other establishments? It can be so frustrating since most jobs really aren’t that hard, people just don’t care. Why would they when their bosses do not support them, instruct them, or blame the employees for problems that are the bosses fault? Rejecting passivity involves demanding excellence from yourself and being an example to your team.
Accepting responsibility is a broad answer that can mean different things to different leaders, but the foundation is the same for everyone—show your team that you have their back and you will take load off them when needed. Start with these two and watch your team move the needle to what you want them to be.
Wesley Buchman, General Dentist / Owner, Buchman Family Dental
Trust Team with Responsibility for Growth
One thing I’ve learned as a leader is that trusting your team with responsibility is key to being a successful leader. I’ve seen how giving people the freedom to take charge of their work really boosts their confidence and brings out their best ideas.
For me, it’s about stepping back and letting my team lead projects, make decisions, and even learn from their mistakes. By doing this, I’m not just handing off tasks—I’m giving them the chance to grow and really take ownership. When people feel trusted, they’re more invested in what they’re doing, which leads to better results all around.
I’ve noticed that when my team knows I trust them with important work, they’re more motivated to do their best. This sense of responsibility sparks creativity and pushes our business forward. It’s not just about getting things done; it’s about building a team that’s capable and confident.
In a fast-paced environment like ours, this approach is crucial. It allows me to focus on the bigger picture while knowing that the daily operations are in good hands. And more importantly, it creates a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered, which is what makes a business truly successful.
Taylor Walker, Co-Founder & CEO, Growth Spurt
Brett Farmiloe is the founder of Featured, a Q&A platform that connects brands with expert insights.
Servant leader stock image by Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Shutterstock
