Servant Leadership Is Not Soft with Jeff Harmon

Feb 13, 2018

Jeff Harmon has a unique way of viewing the world. He was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening condition that put his mortality right in front of his eyes. That played a big part in Jeff’s mission to change the world through servant leadership, and his thoughts on it are refreshing and inspiring. He and Kevin dispel some common misconceptions in servant leadership.

• Jeff talks about how his perception of time affects how he handles his clients. They share the story of two meetings between them. For the first, Jeff was walking. For the second, he was in a wheelchair.
• Kevin shares his definition of servant leadership, a people-centered approach, and Jeff shares some beautiful outcomes of practicing it. First, people willingly follow. Second, people involved in servant leadership are all working to a common goal.
• Is servant leadership really transformative? Kevin and Jeff both agree that it is, but Jeff takes it a few steps further when he looks at the outcomes of servant leadership. From company performance to employee retentions, it’s more than just mentality that is chaned.
• Do you believe that servant leadership is ‘soft?’ Think again. The word ‘servant’ doesn’t mean that you’re catering to your employees wants and demands. You aren’t walking around with a big smile patting people on the backs and handing out raises.
• What’s the challenge of using the word ‘love’ in the workplace? Kevin shares some instances where companies have outright refused to use it, and Jeff shares why the aversion exists. He goes back to the Greek’s multiple concepts of love and explains what kind of love is involved in servant leadership.
• What is the connection between servant leadership and purpose? Jeff shares an innovative breakdown of how they relate. There’s a what (coaching, teaching, being a dad and husband, etc.). Next, there’s a how (servant leadership). Finally, there’s a why (to change the world). Jeff explains what all this means and how it comes together in his life.
• Jeff shares a very simple way to start servant leadership, and you don’t need a single book, a journal, a mindshift, or anything else. Listen more.

If you've connected this message today, and you want to learn more about servant leadership, and practice the skills you need to serve your team, company and community, go to ServantLeadershipYear.com, and join the community.