I write a lot about the importance of culture and leadership. Good leadership creates a loyalty to the team beyond the leader. A strong culture makes for a team that is committed to their purpose and goals. So how does a leader build this culture and commitment? A purposeful leader doesn’t even think of it as building. They see it as just serving. Below are 5 things I learned over the years that are essential as you look to serve your team.

A leader is always thinking about what is best for their team. They involve their team in decisions, planning and allow them to have a voice. But even more, they look to have a relationship with each individual. They listen and become connected at another level. A leader that looks to serve looks to connect, give and share before anything else.

Being a servant doesn’t mean that you are soft. It means you care about others. A leader that cares has high standards for everyone on the team. This type of leader is demanding but never demeaning. People are held accountable to the things that have been shared and agreed upon in their one-on-one meetings. The employee has given permission to the leader to develop them, give them direct feedback and help them get to where they have expressed, they want to go.

Regular one-on-ones are so important to developing the relationship needed. These meetings are the key to establishing trust and solid communication. This is the only way a leader can show the true compassion and empathy for others. Every team must execute on the X’s and O’s but the commitment to the activity needed requires the leader to understand more about everyone’s situation than just getting the job done. This type of leader will have employees who are fulfilled, productive and effective.

How you respond to failure as a leader has everything to do with building confidence. Serving your team means building their confidence. If the above three principles have been followed, you can provide guidance and instruction that isn’t received as criticism but viewed as a way to improve. Then the leader can provide very specific encouragement and recognition when growth is the outcome.

You can not serve everyone the same way. It is essential that you adapt your style for each person. A good way to do this is to help your employees find their strengths. When you get to utilize your strengths, you are more engaged as a teammate. When others see that you recognize and praise their individual strengths they are motivated at an entirely different level. Find a way to bring out the best in others by understanding their strengths, desires and what motivates them.

Building a strong culture and cultivating your team doesn’t happen overnight but serving your team with these 5 keys in mind makes for a great foundation. Focus on leading with a servant heart. As you build relationships and develop your team, the culture and commitment will be evident as you grow together.