Which of the following principles characterizes servant leadership?

Servant leadership is fundamentally centered on the well-being and development of subordinates, emphasizing a leader's role in supporting and empowering their team. This approach prioritizes the growth of individuals within the organization, fostering an environment where team members feel valued and capable of reaching their full potential. By focusing on the development of subordinates, a servant leader cultivates trust, cooperation, and a sense of community, which ultimately enhances organizational effectiveness.

In contrast, the other principles presented do not align with the servant leadership philosophy. Self-interest above all promotes a leadership style that prioritizes personal gain over the needs of others, which can be detrimental to team morale and cohesion. Maximizing organizational profit often suggests a focus on bottom-line results at the expense of employee welfare, which contradicts the core tenet of nurturing team members. Lastly, following rigid structures can stifle creativity and adaptability, essential components of effective leadership that servant leaders encourage through a more flexible and supportive approach.