University:
New York University
Course:
PADM-GP.2110 | Strategic Management and Leadership
Academic year:

2020
Views:

41

Pages:

2
Author:

Marilyn James

Leadership and Management Models Servant leadership has many similarities to other models of leadership. However, there are some differences that servant leadership possesses. In servant leadership, service to followers is the top priority. As said by Schneider and George (2011), “there are marked differences in that the focus of servant leaders is not only to achieve organizational and personal goals, but also to accept a moral responsibility to serve all stakeholders, especially subordinates” (p. 63). Servant leadership is said to be a more fitting style of leadership for non-profit organizations and other similar situations because of the dedication to its followers and their wellbeing. Additionally, servant leadership styles are more likely to inspire loyalty of the followers since there is a more personal relationship formed within the group. There are many other types of leadership, including transactional leadership. This focuses on transactions that take place and is used for sales, which is different from servant leadership. Another example of leadership that is different from the servant model is pacesetter leadership. This style puts emphasis on the efficiency and speed of the process, which can be less personal than servant leadership. Greenleaf created the idea of servant leadership surrounding the idea that the leader’s purpose is to serve the followers. The paradoxical nature of this style is simple – as how can someone be a leader but also a servant? The definitions of these two positions contradict each other. However, Greenleaf’s idea means that the leader must be a combination of both in order for this management style to work. As better stated by Sousa and Dierendonck (2017), “servant leadership implies a balancing act between an overall humble attitude of service and behaviors that instill action and efficacy” (p. 14). For example, companies that wish to see their clients succeed must first help their employees reach a certain level of growth and success. Included within the graphical representation of servant leadership is the statement that leaders in this setting must prioritize their followers in order to succeed. This seems to be contradicting because leaders are performing service for their followers. Many other styles of leadership are set up in the opposite way, to serve the people in the top positions. Usually within servant leadership, it is common for people higher up in the organization to work harder and put in more of an effort to serve those who are below them. This is not typical for many other styles of leadership, which makes servant leadership unique. Finally, Greenleaf incorporated ten characteristics within the model. These characteristics are as follows: listening, empathy, awareness, healing, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to growth of people, and building community. The graphic portrays my understanding of servant leadership by explaining the core values and goals of this specific management style, as well as providing examples that show the differences between servant leadership and other leadership styles. The different characteristics of this style are included within the graphic because they are the core of this type of leadership and help to explain the mindset of leaders in this type of situation.