You're a servant leader, but how do you show your employer that you're worth keeping around?

Demonstrate your value to your employer by aligning your goals with the organization's strategic objectives. Clearly articulate how your work contributes to the company's mission and vision, and consistently strive to deliver results that advance its goals. By showing a strong alignment between your priorities and those of the organization, you prove your commitment to its success.

The big miss for so many leaders is failing to connect the strategic outcomes of the company with the goals, tactics, and day to day performance of your immediate team. Be like Mister Miyagi in the Karate Kid. Strategic outcome = learn karate and not get beat up again. Tactics/day to day = defense, balance, how to breathe, then kick. Many lack the clarity Miyagi showed his direct report, Daniel. Can you connect strategic outcomes like he did? Servant leadership is more than an attractive idea. It requires Miyagi's kind of aligned mentorship.

Aligning you goals is a must before you set out to move your growth and that of your team. In the excitement and process of driving towards the goal do set aside time for checks and realignment processes. This can be done through simple heat map updates of goals and actions to bring back the alignment towards the goals of the company.

Most bosses measure the effectiveness of their leaders according to results produced. HOW those results are produced should not be their focus. You know that successful execution arises from empowered teams. The pressure to produce can even get to well-meaning servant leaders who may revert to command and control if their team loses momentum or struggles. In those moments, authenticity and self-correction win the day with the team, redirecting gently and firmly and reminding the team they are empowered! Apologize! Remind the team that they have the tools and the resources! Renew the vow: "I, your servant leader, am here to support you, to be the wind under your wings so YOU can fly. YOU can do this! It's not ME it's YOU!"

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your value as a servant leader is by empowering your team to excel. Delegate responsibilities and decision-making authority, trust your team members to take ownership of their work, and provide the support and resources they need to succeed. By fostering a culture of autonomy and empowerment, you enable your team to achieve their full potential and drive positive outcomes for the organization.

In my experience, a great leader must enable the action of empowering their teams. However, the leader must be present in the team members journey to cheer on, move away blocks and making recommendations to ensure success for the individual and the team overall. Over delegation to top performers must be watched to ensure no burnouts in the team and each member is given equal opportunity based on their ability.

I serve at the will of the Lord. If my employer does not want to "keep me around," I am fully on-board that decision. I seek to please God, and, in so doing, I should please my employers as well. If not, we have dissonance between my mission, vision, and values and the organization's mission, vision, and values.

In the world of college sports they talk about "developmental coaches". These coaches have the responsibility to continuously monitor, improve and develop the skills of players. That takes a lot of energy and a willingness to set aside one's own ego. In some ways this is the essence of being a servant leader. These leaders know more than how to give feedback and mentoring. They know how to set aside their own desire for the spotlight while investing in the success of their direct reports. The evidence of one's servant leadership is seen in the development of their team.

Invest in the growth and development of your team members, both professionally and personally. Provide opportunities for skill-building, training, and mentorship, and encourage continuous learning and improvement. By helping your team members expand their capabilities and reach their career goals, you contribute to the organization's overall talent development strategy and demonstrate your commitment to their long-term success.

As a servant leader, your primary focus is on serving the needs of your stakeholders, including customers, partners, and internal departments. Take proactive steps to understand their priorities, anticipate their needs, and exceed their expectations through exceptional service and support. By consistently delivering value to your stakeholders, you strengthen the organization's reputation and demonstrate your worth as a valuable asset.

Everyone likes the idea of being a servant leader, until they get treated like one. Servant leaders must model relational support and availability. It's not enough to get a direct report started. You must stay close enough to see and reward progress, as well as give challenging feedback as needed...even at the risk of being misunderstood by your colleague. Servant leaders demonstrate the values of availability and attentiveness along with truthful feedback so that direct reports can flourish.

Lead by example by embodying the values and principles of servant leadership in your daily actions and decisions. Demonstrate integrity, humility, empathy, and a commitment to serving others in everything you do. By modeling these values consistently, you inspire trust and respect among your colleagues and reinforce your reputation as a leader worth keeping around.

In addition to the strategies outlined above, it's important to communicate openly and transparently with your employer about your contributions and accomplishments. Keep them informed about your progress towards goals, highlight key achievements, and seek feedback on how you can further support the organization's objectives. By demonstrating a proactive and results-oriented approach to your work, you reinforce your value and secure your place as a valuable member of the team.