THE SHITTY LEADERSHIP SERIES - FREE SHIT TO READ

Why "Servant Leadership" Sounds Nice But is Often Just a PR Move

Ah, servant leadership. The term that makes executives sound like they’re handing out soup to the needy when, in reality, they’re hoarding the bread.

Real servant leaders:

• Put their teams first in actions, not just words.

• Make decisions that actually benefit employees, not just shareholders

• Know that leadership isn’t about them—it’s about lifting others up.

Fake servant leaders:

• Post a LinkedIn essay about "leading with humility" while laying off half the staff via email.

• Say "we’re a family" but disappear when things get tough.

• Use "servant leadership" as a branding tool, then still expect to be treated like royalty.

You want to be a real servant leader? Try actually serving—not just talking about it.

Servant Leadership: The Mic-Drop Closing Statement

Here’s the deal—if you have to tell people you’re a servant leader, you probably aren’t one. Real servant leadership isn’t a title, a LinkedIn flex or some self-congratulatory nonsense on your company’s About Us page. It’s not about looking good; it’s about actually being good—when no one’s watching, when it’s inconvenient, and when it means putting your ego in a chokehold.  

Too many so-called servant leaders want the halo without the sacrifice. They love the idea of being seen as humble, yet they’re the first ones hoarding power, hoisting their own banner, and expecting applause for simply not being a tyrant.  

If you’re out here calling yourself a servant leader but your employees are burnt out, underpaid, and low-key planning their escape, you’re not serving anyone—you’re just a wolf in leadership jargon.

So here’s a reality check: If your servant leadership is really just self-serving leadership, do us all a favour and drop the act. You want to be a real servant leader? Shut up and serve.