Are you in search of some servant leadership exercises?
In today’s dynamic work environment, servant leadership stands out as a powerful approach to motivating, inspiring, and engaging teams. Unlike traditional leadership models, this style emphasizes support, empathy, and putting employees first.
In this article, let’s see 10 servant leadership activities that can transform your workplace culture, fostering a community of growth, collaboration, and mutual respect.
10 Servant Leadership Exercises for the Workplace
Here are some exercises you can practice with your team to cultivate a servant leadership mindset and promote a positive work environment:
#1. Listening Circles
Listening Circles are designed to enhance communication and trust among colleagues. It creates a space where every team member is heard without interruption.
Time: You decide
Materials: Timer, and comfortable seating arrangement
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Arrange seats in a circle to promote a sense of equality among all participants.
- Set a timer for 2 minutes per team member, allowing them uninterrupted time to speak their mind.
- During the conversation, other team members should only listen, without interrupting or giving opinions.
- After each member has had a chance to share, open up a discussion about common themes or issues that arose during the exercise.
Debrief
During the debrief, discuss how the exercise made participants feel and the importance of feeling heard within a team. Highlight key insights or themes that emerged, underscoring the value of diverse perspectives in driving team success.
#2. Empathy Mapping
This is an insightful activity designed to deepen understanding and empathy by picturing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Whiteboard, markers, and post-it notes
Participants: 3-6 people per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small groups and assign each group a person to focus on (this could be a client, colleague, or a fictional character).
- Using the whiteboard and markers, draw a large square divided into four sections labeled “Thinking,” “Feeling,” “Seeing,” and “Doing.”
- Ask each group to use post-it notes to fill in each section based on their assigned person’s perspective. Encourage them to consider what their person is experiencing in each of these areas.
- Have them present their empathy map to the other groups, discussing any insights or surprises that arose during the activity.
Debrief
Discuss how this exercise can improve communication and understanding within the team. Remind them of the importance of considering different perspectives in achieving team goals.
#3. Service Projects
Service Projects are collaborative efforts that focus on giving back to the community, fostering teamwork outside of regular work tasks.
Time: Variable, depending on the project
Materials: Depends on the project chosen
Participants: Entire team, can split into smaller groups for larger projects
Instructions
- Choose a service project that resonates with the team’s values, such as volunteering at a local shelter or organizing a park cleanup.
- Plan the logistics, including date, time, materials needed, and roles for each team member.
- Execute the project as a team, ensuring everyone participates and contributes.
- Reflect on the experience, sharing personal takeaways, and discussing the impact of the project.
Debrief
The debrief should revolve around the shared experiences and the collective impact made. It’s a moment to reinforce the importance of teamwork and empathy in service to others, highlighting how external collaboration strengthens internal cohesion.
#4. Constructive Feedback
Engaging in constructive feedback sessions enhances personal development and strengthens work relationships through positive conversations.
Time: You decide
Materials: None
Participants: Any number of individuals in a group
Instructions
- Start by creating an agenda for the feedback session, focusing on specific areas of performance and development.
- Each participant takes turns sharing constructive feedback on a colleague, focusing on specific examples and actionable suggestions. For example, “I noticed that you have been struggling with time management lately. Maybe we can work together to find a system that works for you.”
- Encourage open communication, allowing for both positive and negative feedback to be shared in a respectful manner.
Debrief
Focus on the overall growth and openness witnessed during the sessions. It’s crucial to recognize progress and reiterate the value of continuous feedback as well as personal development.
#5. Role Reversal
This activity helps employees experience the challenges and responsibilities of different roles within the organization. It promotes empathy and understanding among them.
Time: A day or the duration of a specific project
Materials: Job descriptions, and project briefs
Participants: Any number of people in a group
Instructions
- Begin by assigning new roles to each team member, matched by interest or at random to maximize the learning experience. For example, a developer might take on a role in marketing.
- Provide all the necessary resources and briefs to ensure everyone can perform their temporary role effectively.
- Encourage the participants to keep a diary of their experience, noting challenges and insights gained.
- Wrap up with a group discussion where each member shares their experiences and learnings.
Debrief
The debrief should focus on understanding the unique challenges of different roles and the key insights gained from the experience. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how these new perspectives can improve collaboration and empathy across the team.
#6. Putting Others First
This activity is designed to immerse employees in the core principles of putting others’ needs first. It is one of the best servant leadership exercises to enhance team dynamics.
Time: You decide
Materials: Scenario cards, notepads, and pens
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions:
- Break the participants into groups and distribute scenario cards depicting real-world work situations involving leadership dilemmas. For example, a team member taking credit for another’s idea, or a manager ignoring project roadblocks to meet deadlines.
- Have each group discuss the scenario and identify potential solutions that exemplify servant leadership. Encourage open discussion and sharing of ideas, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
- After some minutes of brainstorming, have each group present their solutions to the rest of the team.
Debrief
During the debrief, focus on synthesizing the various interpretations of servant leadership explored by the groups. It’s crucial to identify actionable steps that individuals can take to incorporate these principles into everyday interactions and decision-making.
#7. Gratitude Sharing
This activity encourages expressions of gratitude and develops a positive team environment. It also reinforces the idea of servant leadership in valuing and appreciating others.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- At the start or end of each meeting, have each team member share one thing they are grateful for. It can be related to work or personal life.
- Encourage a brief explanation of why they are grateful for that particular thing.
- Listen actively and without judgment, creating a safe space for sharing.
- After everyone has shared, take a moment to reflect on the expressions of gratitude and how it contributes to a positive team dynamic.
Debrief
During the debrief, discuss how this activity made employees feel and the impact it had on the overall team dynamic. Encourage continued expressions of gratitude in future meetings and interactions.
#8. Appreciation Circle
This activity fosters a culture of gratitude and recognition within the team, enhancing interpersonal relationships. It is one of the easiest servant leadership exercises for your workplace.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Begin by having team members form a circle, either sitting or standing.
- One by one, each person selects another team member and shares something they appreciate about them, focusing on specific contributions or qualities. For example, “I appreciate how Sarah stepped in to help with the project when we were on a tight deadline.”
- Encourage specificity and sincerity in the appreciations shared. Continue until every team member has been appreciated.
Debrief
Discuss how the activity made each person feel and the noticeable effect it had on team cohesion. Encourage employees to carry this culture of appreciation into their daily interactions and work, fostering ongoing positive dynamics.
#9. Self-Reflection Journals
This exercise empowers employees to heighten their self-awareness through personal insights on experiences, overcoming challenges, and key learnings.
Time: Ongoing
Materials: Journal or digital document
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Each team member should regularly record their thoughts on daily experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned, aiming for weekly entries.
- Encourage reflecting on both successes and areas for improvement, for example, “This week, I learned the value of patient listening in resolving conflicts.”
- Use prompts to guide reflections, such as “What was a significant challenge this week, and how did I address it?”
- Share insights, if comfortable, during team meetings to facilitate group learning and cohesion.
Debrief
During the debrief, discuss the impact of reflection on personal growth and team dynamics. Highlight revelations that led to improved work strategies or team interactions, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and mutual support.
#10. Random Acts of Kindness
This exercise fosters a supportive and positive team environment by encouraging small, thoughtful gestures among employees.
Time: Ongoing
Materials: None
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Encourage team members to perform small acts of kindness for each other, such as leaving an encouraging note or helping with a task without being asked.
- Keep actions simple and spontaneous, focusing on the thought rather than the magnitude of the act.
- Recognize and celebrate these acts in team meetings, reinforcing the value of kindness and support within the team.
- Suggest maintaining a kindness log where team members can anonymously jot down acts of kindness they have experienced or observed.
Debrief
Discuss how these acts of kindness have influenced the team’s morale and cohesion. Highlight specific examples where these gestures led to improved collaboration or a more positive work environment.
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Or Want Some Unique Team Building Activities?
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Final Words
In conclusion, developing servant leadership within your team requires intentionality and consistent effort. It involves focusing on the needs of others, promoting open communication, and fostering a supportive environment. By incorporating these exercises, you can cultivate a strong team of servant leaders that is both empowered and fulfilled. Remember to regularly reflect on your progress as a leader and continue seeking ways to serve your team in meaningful ways.