The term "Servant Leader" was first introduced by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970. Unlike traditional leadership concepts, this leadership approach focuses on the leader serving the people and the organization rather than prioritizing themselves.

The Servant Leader concept emphasizes that the primary duty of a leader is to serve the growth and development of others and the organization. The main principles of this approach are as follows:

• Service: The leader should first think about serving. This requires the leader to prioritize the interests of the organization and its members over their own interests.
• Empathy: A servant leader strives to understand and support the feelings and situations of others.
• Embracing a Changing Role: These leaders work to support and empower their team members to maximize their potential.
• Growing Together: Servant leaders encourage the personal and professional development of their teams.
• Continuous Improvement: This leadership style emphasizes ongoing development and improvement for both the leader and the organization.

With the Servant Leader approach, leaders aim to create higher motivation, collaboration, and loyalty within the organization. This approach is particularly prevalent in non-profit organizations, the education sector, and modern work environments.