What My First Job Taught Me About Servant Leadership

A message from Chris...  

My very first job was at Kmart, and my title was simply “01.” That was “Kmart-ese” for the person who does whatever needs to get done.

Need carts from the lot? Call “01.”

Need a TV loaded into someone’s car? Call “01.”

Trash overflowing? Call “01.”

Spill in Aisle 3? You guessed it… call “01.”

As unglamorous as that sounds, I really loved that job. A big part of why was the store manager, JD. He was the kind of leader who didn’t just manage…he served.

On my very first day, I got a call that the cafeteria trash was overflowing. When I got there, it was worse than I imagined. Five large, reeking trash cans full of nastiness.

Because only managers had keys to the back door, I called JD to come unlock it. As I wheeled out the first can, I was shocked to see JD himself, white shirt, tie, and loafers, grabbing trash bags and helping me sling them into the dumpster.

That moment said it all. JD was a servant leader. He didn’t just direct from a distance; he rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside his team. He regularly helped grab carts, carried items to customers’ cars, and even watered plants in the Garden Center.

But it wasn’t just about doing tasks, it was about helping people grow. When I mentioned I was considering pharmacy school, JD arranged for me to run the register in the pharmacy. When I got into computers and electronics, he promoted me to that department. He saw potential and created opportunities.

The result? His store was consistently top-ranked in the district. Turnover was low. People wanted to stay… and I did, for three years. More importantly, there was a genuine sense of community and pride.

In today’s workplace, where teams are being asked to do more with less, building that kind of culture is more valuable than ever. One of the most powerful ways to do it is by embracing servant leadership. Here are three simple ways to activate servant leadership in your own role:

1. Lead from the front, not the back.

Get in the trenches. Whether it’s helping with a tough task, listening during a hard moment, or showing up early to prep for a big day, being seen doing matters. People follow what you model, not just what you mandate.

2. Prioritize people development.

Find out what your team members want to grow into and help them take steps toward it. This could be stretch assignments, mentorship, or just giving them room to explore their interests. When people feel invested in, they invest back.

3. Make care visible.

Don’t assume your team knows you care… show them! Celebrate wins, check in during tough weeks, and create space for connection. Genuine care builds trust, and trust builds strong, resilient teams.

Serve On!