Servant leadership is often described in reassuring language. It is framed as people-first, empathetic, ethical, and humane. In modern leadership discourse, it is positioned as a progressive alternative to rigid, top-down authority.
What is discussed far less is the cost of practicing servant leadership when circumstances are unforgiving.
Servant leadership is not truly tested during growth cycles or periods of financial comfort. It is tested during decline, when balance sheets are weak,...