Compassionate, Servant Leadership Is Effective Leadership
- Apr 19, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 1, 2024
Written by: David M Zechman BSE, MPA, LFACHE, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In my recently published book, “Driven by Compassion – 8 Values For Successful Servant Leaders,” I demonstrate that leaders who show those they lead that they genuinely care about them make the best leaders. If you show people that you care, it will make a difference in how they feel about themselves and will ultimately improve their job performance. Workers who receive compassionate leadership are more likely to be more engaged and more productive because they work in an environment that values and inspires them. When this approach is authentic and committed, it permeates can an entire organization’s culture.
Compassionate servant leadership does not mean hugs and kisses. What it does mean is that people feel treated with respect. It also means that you honor and trust the people you lead. If you ignore or avoid supporting or recognizing them, they will invariably feel they are not appreciated. They will feel as though they come to work everyday to perform alone on an island. They will not believe that their leader cares about them personally and/or their work success. And... you will have failed them, yourself, and your organization. You will have failed as a servant leader.
On the flip side, leaders that show those they lead that they care, it is highly likely that employees will come to work everyday with a passion, enthusiasm, and eagerness that gives a workplace the kind of life that leads to great results. And when one gets down to the basics of it all, it is as simple as treating the people you lead as valuable human beings.
I know there are probably a few leaders out there who enjoy having conflicts with the people they lead, but fortunately, those are rare. Can you imagine what a miserable life that would be for your employees and you? These conflict ridden leaders dread getting up in the morning to come to work and face the people that work with and for them. Why? Because they have an acrimonious relationship that stems from the leader’s behavior and possibly their past. Maybe they had a coach or teacher or a boss who screamed or disrespected them all the time, and that is what they think effective leadership is. That is their model, and in many cases, do not know any better.
It is a damaging myth that unfortunately, still survives in too many workplaces. As everyone knows, there is a huge labor shortage post-pandemic. This is far and away the number one challenge for CEO’s, especially in healthcare. What employees are saying post-pandemic, is that they want their leaders to provide them the resources to be successful in their job, want to be included in appropriate decision-making, and are treated as a valued member of the team and organization. What better way to do this than through compassionate, servant leadership.
Do you think this would make a difference in the stress-filled culture of healthcare? Everyone is searching frantically to find ways to reduce turnover and increase employee retention. It is not just about giving employees more money, but it is about treating them through compassionate, servant leadership. Most importantly, it is just the right thing to do for people.
Future articles will include more discussion on the 8 values of successful servant leadership along with more real-life examples as outlined in my book. I hope this article helped you to “remember, renew, and refresh” as to why you chose the important and honorable profession of leadership.
David M Zechman BSE, MPA, LFACHE, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
David Zechman is currently a published author writing "Driven by Compassion ‒ 8 Values For Successful Servant Leaders" which is based on real life experiences of interviewed leaders from CEO's to supervisors. Zechman is also an accomplished public speaker, executive coach, leadership consultant, college professor, an active member of two boards, and CEO of Mergestone Group which acquires and manages assisted living and home health agencies. Zechman spent 39 years in healthcare until he retired as a hospital President and CEO.." Zechman is also an accomplished public speaker, leadership development consultant, CEO of Mergestone Group a published author, writing "Driven By Compassion ‒ 8 Values
