What?
A servant leader in Product Management is a Product Manager who focuses first on the needs of the users, team and stakeholders. He/She facilitates support and removes hurdles to drive product success.
Why?
Adopting a servant leadership approach can supercharge a team’s performance. It builds a foundation of trust, encourages open communication, and fosters a robust collaborative environment.
Google’s Aristotle project studied hundreds of its teams. They found that the most successful ones had leaders who mastered the art of servant leadership.
Atlassian (the team behind Jira and Trello) is often mentioned for its strong servant leadership culture. Their leaders focus on empowering teams and fostering autonomy. That has led to an innovative and resilient product suite.
How?
- Lend an Ear: Actively listen to your team’s ideas and concerns. It helps in crafting better solutions.
- Facilitate, Don’t Dictate: Provide the resources and support your team needs to excel, rather than micromanaging.
- Highlight Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your team’s achievements publicly. This boosts morale and motivation.
- Seek Feedback: Regularly ask how you can better serve the team’s needs. Implementing their suggestions shows respect and appreciation for their expertise.
- Invest in Growth: Encourage professional development. When your team grows, your product’s potential does too.
Start each day by asking, “How can I serve my team today?”
That is the first step to becoming a servant leader in product management.