Which of the following behaviors characterizes servant leadership?

• A. Hoarding authority, secrecy, and focusing on short-term gains
• B. Empowering people, humility, authenticity, acceptance, reflection, providing direction, and working for the good of the whole
• C. Micromanaging tasks and punishing mistakes
• D. Focusing solely on individual performance metrics

Answer: (B)

Servant leadership is a people-centric approach where the leader’s primary role is to serve others, enable their development, and prioritize the common good over personal power. The option that describes empowering people, humility, authenticity, acceptance, reflection, providing direction, and working for the good of the whole captures this mindset. It emphasizes enabling and supporting others, staying genuine, listening, and guiding with the aim of benefiting the entire organization or community.

The other behaviors align more with other leadership styles. Hoarding authority, secrecy, and chasing short-term gains reflect an ego-driven, closed leadership style that undermines trust and long-term success. Micromanaging and punishing mistakes are controlling and punitive, which blocks empowerment and learning. Focusing solely on individual performance metrics promotes a narrow view that neglects teamwork and broader impact.