Most of us are probably familiar with John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. If you haven’t read it, pause now and order the book. It outlines the foundational components of being the best that you can be and moving towards competitive greatness. So how do we do that in our organization? It’s helpful if everyone has a personal plan and adoption of a growth mindset, but what about the collective team? How do we get everyone moving in the same direction?
A fulcrum is a leverage point. It is the contact area where a lever pivots. We’ve heard the word “pivot” a time or two in recent years!
How can we leverage our culture? Take Wooden’s pyramid and flip it upside down. Put the point of success on its head like a top. While a top spins and moves, it always stays grounded by the leverage (fulcrum) point. What is that leverage point in your organization?
I suggest the fulcrum point of servant leadership. That’s a common term, but what does it mean exactly? Is there a difference between service and servant leadership? There is certainly some similarity. As leaders, we often say, “I wouldn’t ask you to do anything that I wouldn’t do or haven’t done.” Is that true? I’ve had to clean a bathroom as the educational institution CEO, but it isn’t a common practice. There are purposeful roles within the organization, each important in its own way. Servant leaders empower and equip others to fulfill their purpose in the organization, in life.
At High Point University (HPU), a security officer made national headlines in 2023 and appeared on the Today Show after graduating students lined up in the commencement recessional to give her a hug and say ‘thank you’ for the life impact. HPU’s president can’t be the security guard too, but he can empower and equip his team to do what is necessary to provide an extraordinary environment!
Servant Leadership opens doors to authentic relationships. Authentic relationships are captured through a curious mindset, a vulnerable spirit, and a forgiving attitude. Curiosity, vulnerability, and forgiveness create an atmosphere of accountability. Accountability leads to a shared respect and responsibility. That shared respect and responsibility leads to increased performance expectations. More to come on that inverted leadership fulcrum, but the foundation is servant leadership.
- How are you a servant leader?
- Have you heard of the term Steward Leadership as a form of Servant Leadership? There are pros and cons to the difference in approach, but what does that mean to you?
- If you were developing a course for a cohesive culture plan, what elements are essential to you?