Servant and follower leadership are the two primary types of administration in the military, and the essay’s purpose is to compare and contrast them. Military commanders often resort to using one type to manage their subordinates effectively. On the one hand, on some level, the two concepts share common goals and patterns. However, at the same time, certain traits, responsibilities, and values differ. Thus, servant leadership and follower leadership are two distinct concepts, each of which has a specificity of interaction and involvement of people.
Above all, it should be noted that both leadership styles follow the goal of actively involving soldiers in their work and managing them effectively. Both leaders share the character traits of responsibility, honesty, initiative, reliability, and loyalty (Davis, 2017). They strive to listen to their subordinates actively and are capable of critically analyzing situations to find quick solutions. Leaders seek accountability and are assertive, versatile, and flexible (Davis, 2017). The goal of effective management unites the two styles and directs the nature of leadership in a particular direction. Although followers have much in common with servant leaders, their function varies in the aspect of commitment, as they have fewer responsibilities (US Army Sergeants Major Academy). The follower is the leader who likewise works for the interest of the organization but mentoring and commitment to personal and professional growth are not their key characteristics. At the same time, the servant leader is the person who devotes all resources to build the closest possible relationship with soldiers (Davis, 2017). A servant leader strives for the growth of soldiers and helps develop both professional and personal aspects, and at the heart of such leadership lies selflessness and complete trust.
Thus, it can be concluded that servant leadership and follower leadership have different traits, although they follow the same goal. Both leaders share some character traits but, at the same time, differ in their essence and vision. The servant is always ready to be there for the soldiers and be their primary support and mentor. At the same time, the follower has a different mindset toward the organization as a whole, rather than working with each group member in a trusting way.
References
Davis, C. (2017). Servant leadership and followership. Palgrave Macmillan.
US Army Sergeants Major Academy. (n.d.). Leadership [Class reading]. US Army Sergeants Major Academy.