Which statement best describes servant leadership?

• A. It is a style that emphasizes command and control
• B. It is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, builds better organizations and ultimately creates a more just and caring world.
• C. It is solely about increasing profits
• D. It relies on coercive power

Answer: (B)

Servant leadership starts with prioritizing service to others. It’s both a philosophy and a set of practical behaviors that put people first—helping individuals grow, develop their strengths, and thrive. When leaders adopt this approach, they seek to empower others, listen deeply, act with empathy, and share power, all while acting as stewards of the organization and its community. This mindset tends to strengthen trust, collaboration, and ethical decision-making, which in turn makes the organization healthier and contributes to a more just and caring world.

That emphasis on serving people and using influence to elevate others is why this description fits best. It isn’t about command and control or coercive power, and it isn’t solely about increasing profits. Those elements clash with the servant-leader mindset, which centers on contributing to the growth and well-being of people and the broader community.