How Servant Leaders Can Remain Motivated In Their Roles

People rarely focus on how leaders remain motivated. But it makes sense. Often, it feels that the company needs to focus on those who are not in leadership positions regarding motivation.

Leaders have power, a higher salary, and a ‘better’ footing in the company than anyone else. They have all the motivation they need, right?

Wrong! First things first, money is not the best motivation. Secondly, leaders need motivation, especially when time has passed.

When you first started, you had many goals to motivate you—maybe the leadership position you are in right now, a higher salary, or fewer working hours—all things you could have already achieved as a leader.

So, what’s left to keep you motivated? Essentially, nothing if you have not crafted new goals. Leaders can struggle to remain motivated, just like other employees. And servant leaders tend to struggle a little more since they are not the most conventional form of leadership.

So, what’s the solution to motivation when a high salary and position are no longer enough to keep you going? Read this article to learn how servant leaders remain motivated despite all the challenges. 

And while we are on the topic of challenges…

Servant Leadership Can Be Hard Sometimes!

Right? If you have been practicing servant leadership for some time, you know just how hard it can be to remain motivated in your role.

Servant leadership focuses on serving others first, which can make it a challenging style of leadership. One reason is that it requires prioritizing the team’s needs over personal ambitions, which can be difficult in competitive environments.

Let’s not forget that servant leaders are often criticized for not being assertive enough or for lacking authority because they focus more on supporting their team.

Traditional leaders who are used to exercising control might find it hard to step back and trust their team. Being a servant leader really demands a high level of patience and humility, which not every leader finds easy to maintain.

Another challenge with servant leadership is balancing support with accountability. Sometimes, in trying to help their team, servant leaders might overstep and do too much for them, making employees dependent. 

Unfortunately, it can lead to team members feeling less motivated to take initiative. Additionally, servant leadership can feel isolating because it often goes against traditional leadership practices. Too many people may view this leadership style as weak or “soft,” which can make it harder for a servant leader to gain respect, especially from peers or upper management.

When you consider just these challenges, you can see why servant leaders can really struggle to remain motivated. Sometimes, it is not so obvious that the true reward comes from seeing others grow and thrive under your guidance.

Servant leadership requires resilience, self-awareness, and a lot of motivation! Because a leader who remains motivated and continues to serve their team will ultimately build a stronger, more loyal group.

Why Is A Motivated Leader So Important?

So why does an organization need a leader who comes into work bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and motivated to do something great?

It is often for the same reason as a regular employee: for optimum performance of the organization! But if you were to ask me on a deeper level, here’s what I would say:

Inspires the Team to Work Harder

A motivated leader intentionally inspires their team to work harder and stay focused on their goals. When a leader shows willingness and dedication, it encourages employees to follow their example.

For example, a leader who comes in early stays focused and takes on challenges with a positive attitude, which will inspire their team to do the same. 

Creates a Positive Work Environment

Motivated leaders bring energy and positivity into the workplace, creating an environment where people actually enjoy working. It is because when leaders are passionate about their tasks, it spreads to the rest of the team.

For example, a leader who always complements good work and encourages team collaboration fosters a culture of support and optimism. A motivated leader understands the value of a happy, energized workplace.

Causes Continuous Improvement

A leader who remains motivated is always seeking ways to improve, both personally and for the team. They push their employees to grow, learn new skills, and aim higher.

A motivated leader might encourage team members to take on new challenges or attend training sessions to expand their knowledge.

By staying motivated and encouraging improvement, the leader helps the entire team achieve more.

Helps Overcome Challenges

In tough times, a leader who remains motivated can lift the team’s spirits and guide them through difficulties. Instead of giving up when faced with obstacles, they remain focused and find solutions.

For example, when a project falls behind schedule, a motivated leader will stay positive and help the team regroup. In short, a leader who can remain motivated is necessary for building a strong, successful team.

Tips For Servant Leaders To Remain Motivated 

So, do you see your value as a servant leader who remains motivated? If you do and are struggling with staying upbeat because of all the challenges and other factors, here are five tips to help you remain motivated during the days it becomes too much for you:

Always Align with Your Purpose

One of the most important ways to remain motivated as a servant leader is by aligning your work with your core purpose. Often, servant leaders lose sight of what it is—being too focused on others means you lose yourself!

Servant leadership is about helping others, but to stay energized, you need to remind yourself why you do what you do.

For example, revisiting your vision and mission helps you stay focused on the bigger picture. When you understand the impact of your work, it becomes easier to remain motivated, even during challenging times.

Seek Feedback and Support

Seeking feedback and support from your team and peers is important. Feedback helps you grow and understand what’s working and what needs improvement from your side. 

In short, it can give you new goals that help you remain motivated! 

For example, regular check-ins with your team can provide valuable insights, offer the support you need to handle tough projects and give you new goals to focus on.

Staying connected with mentors or other leaders can also help you remain motivated by giving you fresh perspectives.

Accept Change and Growth

Change can be difficult for everyone, even you, the servant leader! But it’s also an opportunity for growth.

As a servant leader, welcoming change with a positive mindset can help you remain motivated. For example, if your team is facing a new challenge, viewing it as a chance to learn and adapt will keep you engaged and more willing to move forward.

Being open to new experiences helps you grow and keeps your leadership active and forward-thinking.

Practice Gratitude and Positivity

A positive mindset is essential for staying motivated. Sometimes, just having a good attitude is enough. And as a servant leader, that’s a big part of who you are!

Servant leaders should practice gratitude by recognizing what’s going well and celebrating small wins. For example, acknowledging the hard work of your team boosts morale and helps you focus on the positive aspects of your role.

By always maintaining an optimistic outlook, you can remain motivated even when the going gets tough.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others. Servant leaders often put their team’s well-being first, which is great. But in the process, you neglect your own health, which can lead to burnout. To remain motivated, take the time to focus on self-care by balancing work and personal time.

Setting boundaries, getting enough rest, and engaging in activities that relax and energize you will make you stay motivated and effective as a leader.

Stay Motivated, Stay Inspired, and Keep Leading!

Being a servant leader isn’t always a walk in the park, but guess what? That’s what makes it so rewarding! Staying motivated as a servant leader means always realigning with your purpose, seeking support, and embracing change.

It’s about finding joy in the growth of your team and knowing that your efforts are making a difference, even when things get tough.

So, the next time you feel your motivation slipping, take a deep breath and remember why you became a servant leader in the first place.

Celebrate the small wins, stay open to learning, and don’t forget to take care of yourself along the way. The more you stay motivated, the more you inspire your team to do the same—and that’s how you build a truly unstoppable force. 

Remain motivated, servant leader; you’ve got this!