Why ‘Servant Leadership’ is a Trap

And What to Do Instead

We’ve all heard the term ‘servant leadership’—a philosophy that encourages leaders to put the needs of their team first, fostering a culture of service, humility and empowerment. It sounds noble, even aspirational. After all, who wouldn’t want a leader who prioritises their people? But here’s the uncomfortable truth: servant leadership is a trap.

The Problem with Servant Leadership

Before the leadership coaches come for me, let’s get one thing straight—I’m not saying leaders shouldn’t be supportive, compassionate or invested in their teams. The problem is that ‘servant leadership’ as a model can lead to self-sacrifice, blurred boundaries and an unsustainable dynamic where the leader’s needs are pushed to the bottom of the priority list.

It Creates an Unhealthy Power Dynamic

Ironically, the term ‘servant leadership’ reinforces a hierarchy where the leader is at the bottom, constantly catering to everyone else. While humility is admirable, leadership should be about mutual empowerment, not self-neglect. A leader who only serves their team can end up as little more than a glorified facilitator, rather than an actual leader with vision and authority.

It Encourages Burnout

If you’re always serving others, when do you take care of yourself? Many leaders who adopt this model become overworked, emotionally drained and resentful because they’ve conditioned their teams to expect unwavering support—often at their own expense. A leader who’s running on empty is of no use to anyone.

It Undermines Decision-Making

Effective leadership requires decisiveness and clarity. But if your role is primarily to ‘serve’ your team, does that mean you always prioritise their wants over the organisation’s needs? Leadership isn’t a popularity contest. Sometimes, making tough calls means disappointing people, and a ‘servant leader’ mindset can make that difficult.

It Can Breed Entitlement

Here’s a counterintuitive effect: when leaders position themselves as servants, it can create a culture where employees expect more than they contribute. Instead of fostering accountability, it can lead to an environment where team members lean too heavily on leadership for guidance, rather than developing their own problem-solving skills.

What to Do Instead

So, if servant leadership isn’t the answer, what is? The alternative is balanced leadership—a leadership approach that includes service but doesn’t revolve around it. Here’s what that looks like:

Lead with Purpose, Not Just Service

Your role isn’t just to support—it’s to set direction, make tough calls and ensure the organisation moves forward. Leadership is about having a vision and taking people there, not just making them comfortable along the way.

Empower, Don’t Enable

Great leaders create environments where people take ownership of their work, not wait to be served. Instead of asking, “How can I serve my team?” a better question is, “How can I equip my team to perform at their best?”

Set Boundaries

A strong leader understands that their energy and time are finite resources. Instead of overextending yourself in the name of service, establish clear expectations and model healthy work habits. That means saying no when necessary and ensuring you’re not carrying the emotional and operational burdens of the entire team.

Balance Authority with Support

A leader’s job is to provide both support and direction. Encouraging autonomy while maintaining authority is a delicate balance, but it’s essential. You’re not there to be liked—you’re there to lead.

Model Strength and Self-Respect

Servant leadership often leans too far into self-sacrifice. Instead, model a leadership style that values both your well-being and that of your team. When you respect your own boundaries and priorities, you teach others to do the same.

The Bottom Line

Servant leadership has its heart in the right place, but in practice, it often sets leaders up for exhaustion, weak authority and unrealistic expectations. Leadership isn’t about servitude—it’s about guidance, empowerment and making decisions that serve the greater good, not just individual needs.

The best leaders don’t just serve their teams; they strengthen them. They lead with clarity, balance authority with empathy, and ensure that their own well-being isn’t sacrificed along the way.

So, are you leading—or just serving?