Chamber Chat: The value of servant leadership in today’s business climate

In an era of burnout and disconnection, community-rooted leaders are flipping the script and prioritizing empathy, trust, and service over ego

Business leaders in Carlsbad have taken to leadership approach grounded in service. Courtesy image

In today’s whirlwind of metrics, deadlines, and shifting markets, it’s easy to get swept up in top-down decision-making and efficiency-at-all-costs leadership models. But increasingly, companies — especially those rooted in community and connection — are turning to a very different kind of leadership: one grounded in service.

Servant leadership isn’t new. The term was coined by Robert Greenleaf back in the 1970s, but its roots go much deeper, woven into cultures and philosophies that prioritize listening, empathy, and stewardship. At its core, servant leadership flips the traditional power structure. Instead of asking, “How can my team serve me?” it begins with, “How can I serve my team?”

And that shift? It matters now more than ever.

We’re living through a time of profound workplace reevaluation. Employees aren’t just looking for a paycheck — they’re seeking meaning, belonging, and leadership they can trust. In an era defined by burnout, quiet quitting, and calls for more equitable workplaces, servant leadership doesn’t just feel good; it works.