Exploring Servant Leadership as the Ultimate Philosophy for Business Success
- nzygarlicke
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
Leadership isn’t about power — its about service. But too often those lines are blended, and even the best of us operate in a grey area between the two.
So, over the next several weeks, I’m excited to explore a topic that has shaped how I lead, learn, and try to live: servant leadership.
More than a management style or checklist, servant leadership is a philosophy rooted in empathy and an unwavering commitment to others.
It has deeply influenced how I build teams, make decisions, and hope to leave a positive impact on the people and organizations I serve - personally and professionally.
In the weeks ahead, I’ll be diving into the core principles that define this approach, maybe tell some stories, and build conversation around the following topics:
✨ Listening – Practicing deep, receptive attention to understand not just words, but intent and need.
❤️ Empathy – Seeing others as whole people, with unique experiences and perspectives.
🛠️ Healing – Creating environments where people can recover, grow, and thrive.
🔍 Awareness – Cultivating self-knowledge and insight into how we show up.
🤝 Persuasion – Leading through influence, not authority.
🌐 Conceptualization – Balancing the big vision with the realities of today.
🔮 Foresight – Learning from the past to anticipate what’s ahead.
🌱 Stewardship – Caring for organizations and communities as a trust, not a transaction.
💪 Commitment to the Growth of People – Helping every person realize their potential.
🏘️ Building Community – Fostering belonging and shared purpose.
At the heart of it all it is a simple idea, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The idea is to:
👉 Be a Servant First — the desire to serve must come before the desire to lead.
I look forward to sharing reflections, stories, and practical insights as we dig into these principles together. And I’d love to hear what servant leadership means to you, too.

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