<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (December 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article possibly contains original research . Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations . Statements consisting only of original research should be removed . (December 2012) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> Servant leadership is a leadership philosophy . Traditional leadership generally involves the exercise of power by one at the "top of the pyramid ." By comparison, the servant - leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible . Servant leadership turns the power pyramid upside down; instead of the people working to serve the leader, the leader exists to serve the people . When leaders shift their mindset and serve first, they unlock purpose and ingenuity in those around them, resulting in higher performance and engaged, fulfilled employees . </P> <P> Servant leadership is an ancient philosophy . There are passages that relate to servant leadership in the Tao Te Ching, attributed to Lao - Tzu, who is believed to have lived in China sometime between 570 BCE and 490 BCE: </P>

The leadership approach that defines the leaders role as serving the needs of others is called