The Heart of Leadership: To Serve & Empower

Today, the idea that leadership is influence, vision, charisma, and getting things done still lingers, and may even be re-emerging.

But it was more than 55 years ago, Robert Greenleaf first wrote about the idea of Servant Leadership. Now, one of the most popular leadership theories taught in organizations, this idea re-centered the purpose and work of leadership on the well-being, freedom, and autonomy of those for whom you are responsible.

We believe the most enduring leaders aren't focused primarily on being the most important person in the room. They're focused on helping the people around them become more capable, confident, and successful.

At the core of servant leadership is also the responsibility of the leader to help others discover and use their own capacity. It's tempting to become the person who always has the answer, solves the problem, or steps in when things get difficult. But when we hold all the power and work, we can unintentionally make others dependent on us and less engaged.

Empowering servant leaders take a different approach. The goal isn't to make yourself indispensable. The goal is to help other people become more capable. A useful question for any leader is:

Are the people I lead more confident, capable, and empowered because I was here?

At Hughes Coaching & Consulting, this is central to how we think about leadership development. We believe people don't need leaders who simply tell them what to do, or try to convince them of the ‘right’ way. They need leaders who help them see what's possible, develop their own capacity, and find the confidence to act. 

That’s the type of leadership our world needs today. 

We wish you the best on your leadership journey!

Andy & Annie

P.S. One small thing Annie & I have done to live our values beyond our coaching practice is to get involved in our community and commit to earning to give. Annie serves as a member of the Harrisburg School District Board of Directors, and Andy serves as a Big Brother for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the Vice President for Friends of Midtown neighborhood association. And we’ve also committed to donating 10% of our profits to charitable organizations that make people's lives better. If you are interested in learning more about this pledge, follow this link.