Differences And Similarities Between Followership And Servant Leadership

This essay will discuss the similarities and differences between servant leadership and followership. Each role is essential to a squad’s ability to create a cohesive and strong team. Each member is assigned to a specific position. Respect and trust are vital for a squad’s success. A leader must put the Soldiers’ interests before his own. Subordinates need to know what kind of followership is best for a given task. Establishing roles and following guidelines is a great way to achieve the best results. The definition of servant leadership is the ability to put the needs and interests of others above your own (Wesson 2017, 2017). The Army encourages the belief that mission is the most important thing. Serving leadership is focused on the wellbeing and well-being of their subordinates in order to create a positive work environment. It is less likely that subordinates will complete tasks efficiently if they are working with hostile squads. An NCO and Soldier can have a better relationship if they communicate openly. Soldiers will respond favorably to leaders who promote trust and respect among their squad. It is important to have empathy. Leaders need to be able to empathize with Soldiers while still understanding their mission. Serving as a leader reinforces Army values. It is possible to accomplish your missions quickly with subordinates who are motivated and positive. Non-compliant Soldiers can cause problems in the squad. The Curphy-Roellig Followingership Model states that a skilled follower is one who has all four sections. There are two types of followers. These can be classified as active or passive personalities, or independent critical thinkers. Active dependent critical thinking is a common section that Soldiers who are new to the ranks of followership often use. These Soldiers are more likely to follow orders and agree with them. It is not uncommon to see Soldiers who are independent and critical thinkers as they gain rank and experience. These types can help identify implicit tasks and provide insight to make the mission more effective. All Soldiers must decide which form of followership they feel is most appropriate for the mission. All Soldiers should be leaders at all levels. There are similarities between servant leadership and following. Soldiers must be able to rely on the Army’s values and warrior ethos as a foundation. This area can be used to lead a Soldier who is in a followership position. The team can benefit from a subordinate teaching newer members how they think critically. Setting a good example by being positive and motivated to complete a task is important. Similar guidelines are followed by servant leaders as well as subordinates. Both leadership positions place the mission first. They also respect each other. The team benefits from soldiers learning how to be followers and serve as servant leaders. Soldiers are taught how to listen and learn from others. A NCO who has learned servant leadership styles understands that Soldiers are ultimately responsible for their own care. The NCO can trust their subordinates when they have a lot of work to do. Respected soldiers will do the job efficiently. Works Cite

Latour, S. M., & Rast, V. J. (n.d.). A prerequisite for effective leadership is dynamic followership. Retrieved from https://govleaders.org/dynamic-followership.htm

C. Wesson (2017, March 24, 24). The non-commissioned officer (NCO). Retrieved August 01, 2019, from https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2017/March/THE-NCO-ARMY-LEADER/