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Differences Between Followership and Servant Leadership

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Human-Written

Words: 554 |

Page: 1|

3 min read

Updated: 16 November, 2024

Words: 554|Page: 1|3 min read

Updated: 16 November, 2024

Table of contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Differences Between Followership and Servant Leadership
  3. The Role of Followers in Leadership

Introduction

In the Army, soldiers are always taught how to be good leaders from different personal perspectives. What soldiers are not normally taught is how to be good followers toward their leaders. This essay aims to explore the similarities and differences between Followership and Servant Leadership. Followership can be defined as having an active role in the pursuit of goals. Servant Leadership is characterized by the leader's goal to serve those under him or her. The development of relationships that contribute to leadership-followership will be examined through the application of practical in-school activities with students and staff (Greenleaf, 1977).

Differences Between Followership and Servant Leadership

Everyone moves back and forth between Servant Leadership and Followership throughout our lives. Some people choose Followership more often because it is perceived as easier. Others prefer Servant Leadership because they seek the rewards that come from practicing it. For example, a regular McDonald's employee only has to follow orders to maintain their employment. In contrast, a McDonald's manager must follow orders and ensure that regular employees follow orders to maintain their place of employment.

There are different types of Followership and Servant Leadership that people can choose from. People display Followership when they express, through their words or actions, respect and support for a person they view as their leader and show openness to be influenced by him or her in that capacity (Kelley, 1988). The first type of follower is the "yes man," who will agree to whatever is asked without further consideration. The second type is the critic, who always looks for the negative aspects of any situation. The third type is the realist, who provides criticism when they believe the course of action is not right but will back the leader if they agree with it. The fourth type is the loyalist, who gives their all toward the mission and provides constructive criticism.

Just as there are many types of Followership, there are also many types of Servant Leaders. The first type of Servant Leader is the grower, who uses morals and ethics to value and foster the development of their peers in a working environment. It is important to show respect by asking soldiers about their ideas for specific situations. Growing up with your soldiers will increase unit cohesion. A good servant leader will use empathy to understand where a soldier's ideas come from and see if they can be combined with his own ideas. Servant leaders exhibit ten characteristics, including empathy, awareness, persuasiveness, conceptualization, vision, management, commitment to human growth, and community building (Greenleaf, 1977).

The Role of Followers in Leadership

Followers embody a different way of thinking. Follow-up is the ability and willingness to follow the leader. Depending on how well people understand the followers, the quality of the outcome can be determined. Good followers will provide leaders with ideas to enhance the experience of the situation. They build trust between their peers and their appointed leaders. In the military, the entourage will be a team commanded by noncommissioned officers, where it can provide support for various tasks and provide ideas when needed.

In conclusion, both Followership and Servant Leadership are essential components of effective leadership dynamics. Understanding and implementing both concepts can lead to a more cohesive and productive environment, whether in the military or other organizational settings. By appreciating the value of followers and the impact of servant leadership, leaders can foster a culture of mutual respect and growth.

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References

  • Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. Paulist Press.
  • Kelley, R. E. (1988). In Praise of Followers. Harvard Business Review, 66(6), 142-148.
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This essay was reviewed by
Prof. Linda Burke

Cite this Essay

Differences Between Followership and Servant Leadership. (2022, February 10). GradesFixer. Retrieved November 19, 2024, from https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/differences-between-followership-and-servant-leadership/
“Differences Between Followership and Servant Leadership.” GradesFixer, 10 Feb. 2022, gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/differences-between-followership-and-servant-leadership/
Differences Between Followership and Servant Leadership. [online]. Available at: <https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/differences-between-followership-and-servant-leadership/> [Accessed 19 Nov. 2024].
Differences Between Followership and Servant Leadership [Internet]. GradesFixer. 2022 Feb 10 [cited 2024 Nov 19]. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/differences-between-followership-and-servant-leadership/
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