The most powerful force in business isn’t greed, power, or unbridled competition. It’s better than that.

For Inc.

Photo: Getty Images

In my speaking engagements on leadership, I often stress the importance of serving your employees — even ahead of your customers at times — as the essence of true leadership.

But I’ll be honest. As much as I bang on the drum of servant leadership to help my clients reach unprecedented business outcomes, this approach is still far from the norm.

Walking the higher road of putting employees first can be a very lonely place; it’s a leadership mindset few possess. But for those who do, and for those who model the behaviors for their followers, the human and business impact is enormous.

Whether or not you’re ready for the journey, there are some hard lessons to be learned. For example:

You must care for others

Considering this premise is no longer taboo: People are naturally wired to experience and feel emotions in the workplace. They no longer want a job; they want a purpose. They don’t want to just put in the hours and collect a paycheck; they want to contribute and make a difference.

Leaders who place employees ahead of customers understand this premise to the core; they’ll create an environment that people feel safe in and love. Moreover, they inherently love their employees enough to make sure they are cared for and set up for success. In turn, employees respond unequivocally with loyalty and higher performance. This act of unconditional corporate love — unrestrained, radical, no holds barred — begins with a leader who loves his or her employees well.

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