A very senior leader visited both my departments and asked everyone the same question:
“What do you need from me?”
It was fascinating to watch the reactions. Some responses were practical, others ambitious – like requests for a bigger space, which would be hard to make happen. But what struck me most was how this simple question opened up conversations about our services and whether they could be offered differently.
This wasn’t just a polite gesture. It’s a leadership approach worth exploring.
The Leadership Style Behind the Question
This question reflects Servant Leadership, a concept popularised by Robert K. Greenleaf. It’s about serving first, leading second – removing barriers so others can thrive. It also overlaps with Transformational Leadership, which inspires and empowers through vision and trust.
Both styles move away from ‘command and control’ towards people-centred leadership, which is increasingly vital in today’s agile, complex workplaces.
Why It Works
- Empowers teams: Builds autonomy and ownership.
- Creates psychological safety: People feel heard and supported.
- Drives agility: Focuses on removing obstacles quickly.
- Strengthens trust: Shows genuine commitment to others’ success.
The Risks
- Overpromising: If you can’t deliver, trust erodes.
- Dependency: Teams may lean too heavily on you.
- Imbalance: Some voices dominate, others stay silent.
- Short-term focus: Immediate needs can overshadow strategic goals.
How Leaders Can Implement This Approach Without Pitfalls
1. Set boundaries: Clarify what support you can realistically provide.
2. Link to strategy: Frame the question around organisational goals.
3. Follow through: Act on feasible requests and communicate progress.
4. Empower problem-solving: Ask, “What have you tried so far?”
5. Listen broadly: Use structured feedback to avoid bias.
6. Combine with coaching: Don’t just serve—develop capability.
Why Experimenting with Leadership Styles Matters
Leadership isn’t static. The best leaders learn, adapt, and experiment. Trying approaches like this helps you discover what resonates with your team and your values. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress.
Have you tried asking your team, “What do you need from me?”
What happened? Share your experiences – I’d love to hear them.
Recommended Reading for Curious Leaders
The Coaching Habit – Michael Bungay Stanier
The 5 Levels of Leadership – John C. Maxwell
Transformational vs. Servant Leadership
Seven Leadership Development Experiments You Should Try Right Now
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