A standout example of servant leadership in my career was when our vice president of sales simply wasn’t delivering results. After parting ways with that individual, we needed someone to fill the role immediately, but finding a new VP could take months. So, I stepped in.

Yes, I already had plenty on my plate, but as a servant leader, my question was, “What does the company need right now?” I assumed additional responsibilities for as long as necessary to ensure our team remained on track.

It’s the same mindset that drives me to hop in the car and visit another office if they need help, or to take on certain tasks if someone’s bandwidth is stretched too thin. Weekly one-on-one meetings are also critical. I always end by asking, “Is there anything else you need from me?” This simple practice opens the door for honest conversations about obstacles or overloaded priorities.

In short, servant leadership means stepping up—sometimes literally—and doing whatever it takes to support your team and your organization, without overshadowing their growth or autonomy. It’s about being in front and alongside, never simply behind.