We are all under new pressure to produce more for less money--and in less time. Ultimately, this cannot be done unless bosses are able to--in service of their organization--bring out the best in their people.

That is the essence of servant-leadership, the management philosophy originally outlined by organizational expert Robert Greenleaf in the 1970s. It's a philosophy whose time has truly come.

• The mission statement of TDIndustries, a regular on Fortune's list of 100 Best Companies to Work for in America, prioritizes "intense 'people development' efforts, including...