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Servant Leadership Theory

Servant leadership theory, which dates to the 1970s, argues that leaders have a duty to focus primarily on meeting their subordinates’ needs.

The authors also cite the biblical story of Jesus Christ washing his disciples’ feet as a concrete illustration of servant leadership. Indeed, the term servant leadership can seem insensitive when applied to women, people of color, and others who historically have faced marginalization and mistreatment in the workplace and society more broadly. Despite its shortcomings, there are numerous admirable aspects of servant leadership theory that leaders may choose to emulate in their organizations, including an emphasis on fostering employee growth, open communication, and community.

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