A few days ago, I received a reaction through LinkedIn from an old friend from the University of Chicago on an article I had posted on leadership. He asked me if the concept of leadership isn't outdated and should be replaced by an approach that captures the social change of the last two decades, such as stewardship. I answered him quickly on my iPhone, stating that stewardship is a leadership trait. Actually, it isn't. It's a leadership style. Through this article, I aim to shed light on the integral role in modern leadership of social stewardship and servant leadership and, in doing so, clarify the difference between leadership traits and style.

A Shift to Social Stewardship and Servant Leadership

Leadership, at its core, involves influencing and guiding others toward shared goals. Traditional leadership views often hinge on power, authority, and control concepts. However, the continuous evolution of our societies and organizations calls for a fresh approach to leadership that aligns with the social changes witnessed over the last two decades. This modern leadership style is embodied in the concept of social stewardship and servant leadership.

• Social Stewardship

"Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship, and strengthen governance." - Ban Ki-moon

The rise of social stewardship in leadership is a testament to the growing global consciousness and emphasis on corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, and ethical business practices. It represents a shift from a narrow, profit-driven focus to a broader, socially-conscious approach that aims to create enduring value for all stakeholders.

• Servant Leadership

Leadership is not about being in charge. Leadership is about taking care of those in your charge. Servant leadership is all about making the goals clear and then rolling your sleeves up and doing whatever it takes to help people win. In that situation, they don't work for you; you work for them." -Ken Blanchard

Servant leadership, another progressive leadership style, revolves around serving others — team members, stakeholders, and the community at large. Servant leaders prioritize others' needs and growth, share power, and help their team members perform at their highest potential. Unlike the conventional top-down leadership structure, servant leadership fosters collaboration, empathy, trust, and ethical power utilization.

In many ways, these leadership styles parallel the ethos of "Conscious Capitalism," a topic discussed extensively in a blog post three years ago⁽¹⁾. It upholds the belief that businesses should operate in ways that benefit all major stakeholders – employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment.

Differentiating Leadership Traits from Styles

To comprehend the distinction between leadership traits and leadership style, it's important to define the two. Leadership traits are inherent or acquired attributes that contribute to a leader's effectiveness. Traits like integrity, effective communication, empathy, resilience, and confidence form the essence of a leader, driving their actions, decisions, and interactions.

In contrast, a leadership style refers to how leaders implement their leadership. It represents the way a leader applies their traits in guiding others, shaping the organizational culture, influencing team morale, and determining productivity levels. Leadership styles reflect a leader's perception of their role. They can vary from autocratic and transactional to transformational and participative, each with unique implications and outcomes - a topic I delve into in a blog on Versatile Leadership ⁽²⁾.

Social Stewardship and Servant Leadership: More Than Just Traits‍

As leadership styles, both social stewardship and servant leadership go beyond the sum of certain traits; they reflect a conscious choice to lead in a particular manner, transitioning from merely "leading' 'to "serving."

They embody a commitment to fostering an equitable, sustainable future by making decisions that balance profitability with social good embracing the understanding that a leader's role extends beyond the confines of an organization, reaching out to the wider community and environment.

However, while they share certain principles, their focus differs. Social stewardship is a broader concept, encapsulating community and environmental considerations alongside corporate responsibility, while servant leadership primarily concentrates on individual growth and well-being within the organization.

Conclusion

Leadership is far from outdated; it is a dynamic concept that continues to evolve, mirroring the shifts in our societal fabric. Today's influential leaders can amalgamate their inherent leadership traits with a suitable style that resonates with their teams, organizational culture, and broader societal expectations. In the context of the sweeping social changes over the last two decades, social stewardship is a compelling leadership style that marries the pursuit of organizational goals with a deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility. It represents the essence of forward-thinking, sustainable leadership that goes beyond profits to impact people and the planet positively.

Notes
(1) https://www.renesonneveld.com/post/conscious-capitalism

(2) https://www.renesonneveld.com/post/coaching-for-versatile-leadership

The writer is a Distinguished-Executive-In-Resident with Global Career and Leadership Development of the Booth School of Business.

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