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As a public health professional and mentor, I see applying servant leadership through prioritizing the well-being and growth of others before my own personal advancement. Servant leadership in public health means actively listening to others, hearing their needsand the needs of the communities, and is grounded in humility, empathy, and a commitment to lifting up others (University of Kansas, n.d.). For example, while mentoring dental hygiene students in a community clinic setting, I could practice servant leadership by taking time to understand each student's learning style and career goals. I would assign projects that align with their interests and give them the space to create small community healthinitiatives. In doing this, I could support their development while promoting community health.

Motivating individual excellence and fulfillment fosters confidence and trust. When people feel seen, supported, and valued, they are more likely to invest their time and effort into their work. This creates a ripple effect where people who feel empowered and supported are more likely to empower and support others which in turn strengthens the team and health initiatives as a whole (Rowitz, 2014).

Servant leadership transforms power from something that is held by one person at the top into something that is spread evenly among a group (University of Kansas, n.d.) This creates a sustainable culture of collaboration, trust, and shared goals that can be the driving force for lasting change in public health.