How to distinguish a true servant leader through a rarely used “test”? Why is it important?

Gajah Mina. © Marcin Konkel . All rights reserved.

All of us have experienced in our lives disinterest, ignorance or neglect from somebody. This particularly can concern Scrum Masters in a highly hierarchical company but it is about anyone trying to be heard, really.

The need to be heard and seen is one of the most critical elements in any relationship — professional or intimate. These two are ingrained in the “test” I was referring to. OK, it boils down to one sentence:

👉🏼 “The true measure of a person is how they treat those that can do absolutely nothing for them.” — I learned this during training with Joe Navarro.

Let that sink in.

It’s easy to be friendly or respectful towards the people that bring you value or can provide you with something — a salary bump, rare knowledge, career advancement, support in a challenging situation etc.

Being a leader, formal or not, comes with the privilege of influence. How you use this advantage matters. What measuring yourself against the above quote can bring:

#1 Hear more

We can respect one another even if we disagree. We can then lead conversations not messed up by emotional entanglement. We can then express and hear more — something that could otherwise be a lost conversation.

#2 Less games

A contained ego and the ability to manage one’s responses create fewer opportunities to play games and project own shortcomings onto others. This leads to showing-up where you are trully needed and fostering loyalty among people around you.

#3 Loyalty

People who feel seen and respected will become your allies. You never know whom you might need in the future and where your paths will cross. Karma is a b*tch, you know. The good will come back to you one way or the other. It has to me.

#4 Strokes

These signals (from Transactional Analysis) show others: “I see you”. Positive, unconditional strokes will help you in talent retention and boost morale and motivation. Read more 👉🏼 https://www.clairenewton.co.za/my-articles/transactional-analysis-part-ii-the-games-we-play.html

✅ This quote is how I try to measure myself everyday. I do it with varying success, yet this is one of my most important benchmarks. What benchmarks do you use as servant leaders to keep yourself in check?