Connect + Direct: Creating a Leadership Habit That Works

There is a lot of talk today about “servant leadership." It's a management buzzword that is controversial and, I believe, very misunderstood. The controversy usually arises from the counterintuitive nature of the concept. How can you lead and serve? Sounds like a recipe for leadership failure, no?I believe it is the only leadership approach that works. This isn’t mere conjecture. I have discovered the hard way, after over twenty years of using traditional position-based leadership style, (I often refer to myself as a “reformed arsehole”) that being a bossy-boss simply doesn't work. 

All the modern workplace desirables- engagement, happiness, productivity, low turnover, mastery, cohesiveness, etc. are all the result of a consistent message you send your team. 

My leadership style was typical of the time- “I’m the boss, you’ll do what I say or else!” I began my culinary career in 1972 when smoking while working was permitted and the concept of workplace…