Navigating Trauma in the Workplace: Leveraging Servant Leadership as a Developmental Pathway

This paper introduces a Servant Leadership-Oriented (SLO) model of leadership development, designed to develop compassionate and caring leaders, particularly among individuals who have experienced trauma. Within this framework, we explore the attributes required for developing leaders to embody the mindset, motive, and mode (MMM) of servant leadership. Building upon foundational leadership development models, the SLO model provides a structured approach to leadership development that incorporates a trust-based, supportive mentorship process. The SLO model’s emphasis on tailored mentorship and support allows developing leaders to engage in reflective and experiential learning that enhances their capacity to balance caring for employees with meeting organizational goals. This approach not only addresses the unique developmental needs of trauma-affected individuals but also promotes a culture of empathy and care, ultimately enhancing organizational well-being and resilience.