Edward DeAngelis, the CEO of EDA Contractors, is a strong advocate for implementing emotional intelligence and psychological safety in leadership. He believes in the concept of servant leadership, which focuses on prioritizing the well-being and growth of employees, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. Servant leadership entails respecting, celebrating, and supporting people, training and mentoring employees, and fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration.
Servant leadership is not just for large corporations like Apple, Starbucks, and Ford Motor Company, but can be implemented by leaders at all levels. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, is often seen as a servant leader for his emphasis on serving others, empowering employees, and promoting collaboration within the organization. Servant leadership principles, such as empathy, collaboration, and a focus on people, can lead to innovation and a strong company culture. Any leader can adopt servant leadership by integrating communication, compassion, and collaboration into the work environment while prioritizing the growth and development of team members.
To practice servant leadership effectively, business leaders need to maintain key practices. They should provide ethical leadership by advocating for engagement in social responsibility initiatives aligned with corporate values, communicate transparently, and prioritize psychological safety. Being empathetic and listening to employees’ needs and concerns is also crucial, as it fosters a community of care in the workplace and supports a positive work environment. Additionally, being a proud steward means prioritizing the well-being and life experience of others to create a respectful and appreciative work environment that values morale and performance.
Servant leadership can lead to better business performance and improved employee experiences. By focusing on the well-being of employees as much as the well-being of the organization, leaders can create a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages growth, development, and accountability. Servant leadership is a roadmap to success for all leaders who prioritize the growth and development of their team members, invest time and resources in helping them reach their potential, and create a culture of respect and appreciation. In every work environment, the well-being of employees and the success of the organization go hand in hand.
