Servant Leadership: Empowering Behavioral Health
Episode Overview
Servant Leadership prioritizes serving others. Caring for employees boosts team motivation. Trust is crucial in effective leadership. Leadership training is vital in human services. Self-investment benefits both leaders and teams.
If you want love and abundance in your life, give it away.
In this episode of the Scope of Practice podcast, we delve into the transformative world of Servant Leadership within the behavioral health industry. Hosted by Jeff, the discussion features insights from Gina Thorne, a seasoned consultant with over two decades of experience in the substance use disorder treatment field. Servant Leadership, a concept introduced by Dr. Robert Greenleaf in 1970, challenges traditional top-down leadership models by prioritizing the needs of others first.
Gina Thorne elaborates on the philosophy that caring for employees not only enhances their motivation but also improves client outcomes. This approach fosters an environment of trust and empowerment, crucial elements in the behavioral health sector where mental health issues are prevalent. Gina highlights the importance of pausing to seek input from employees, recognizing their 'native genius,' and supporting them beyond mere loyalty.
The conversation touches upon the struggles within the human services field, particularly the lack of adequate training and mentorship in leadership roles. Gina emphasizes the necessity for leaders to invest in themselves, aligning their actions with personal values and exploring Servant Leadership's characteristics. By doing so, leaders can create a legacy that positively impacts their professional trajectory and those around them. An inspiring aspect of Servant Leadership is its ability to transform organizational culture.
Gina shares anecdotes of leaders who have successfully reduced turnover and increased employee engagement by adopting this model. These leaders demonstrate vulnerability and courage, akin to Brene Brown's teachings, by stepping into the arena and making sacrifices for their teams. The episode concludes with an invitation from Gina Thorne for listeners to explore resources on Servant Leadership and to engage with her for further consultations.
Her dedication to helping behavioral health leaders cultivate their strengths is evident, offering a hopeful outlook for those willing to embrace this empowering leadership style.