What do you do if you want to embody servant leadership as a self-employed professional?

1 Understand Values

To embody servant leadership, you must first deeply understand your core values and how they align with serving others. Reflect on what drives you beyond financial success—perhaps it's a commitment to excellence, a passion for helping clients achieve their goals, or a desire to contribute positively to your community. By identifying these values, you can ensure that every business decision you make and every client interaction you have is infused with a spirit of service. This understanding will guide you in creating a business that doesn't just deliver services but also enriches the lives of those you work with.

3 Empower Clients

Empowering your clients is essential to servant leadership. This involves providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. As a self-employed professional, this might mean educating your clients on best practices, offering insightful advice, or even stepping back to allow them to make their own informed decisions. When clients feel empowered, they are more confident, capable, and likely to view you as a trusted advisor rather than just a service provider.

4 Cultivate Community

Building a community is vital for a servant leader. Even as a self-employed professional, you can create a sense of community by connecting with other freelancers, participating in professional networks, and collaborating on projects. This not only expands your business opportunities but also allows you to support and learn from your peers. A strong community fosters a culture of sharing knowledge and resources, which can lead to collective growth and success.

5 Reflect Regularly

Regular reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth as a servant leader. Take time to assess the impact of your work on your clients and community. Consider the successes and areas where you could improve. Reflection helps you stay aligned with your servant leadership values and ensures that you continue to serve your clients effectively. It also provides an opportunity for personal development, as you learn from each experience and strive to become a better leader for those you serve.

6 Lead by Example

Finally, to truly embody servant leadership as a self-employed professional, you must lead by example. This means consistently demonstrating the qualities you wish to see in others—integrity, dedication, empathy, and humility. Your actions will speak louder than words, inspiring clients and peers alike. By setting a high standard for yourself, you encourage others to also strive for excellence in service and leadership.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?