Followership vs. Servant Leadership

Attribute	Followership	Servant Leadership
Definition	The act of following a leader or authority figure	A leadership philosophy where the main goal is to serve others
Focus	On following and supporting the leader	On serving and empowering others
Role	Supportive and obedient to the leader	Serving and empowering others
Relationship	Between the follower and the leader	Between the leader and the followers
Goal	To support the leader's vision and goals	To serve others and help them reach their full potential

Definition

Followership is the act of following a leader and supporting their vision and goals. It involves being a team player, taking direction well, and contributing to the success of the team. On the other hand, Servant Leadership is a leadership style where the leader serves the needs of their team members, prioritizing their well-being and development. Servant leaders focus on empowering others and helping them reach their full potential.

Attributes of Followership

Followership requires individuals to be committed to the goals and vision of the leader. It involves being able to communicate effectively with the leader and other team members, as well as being able to collaborate and work well in a team setting. Followership also requires individuals to be adaptable and willing to take on different roles and responsibilities as needed. Additionally, followers must be able to provide feedback and support to the leader in order to help the team succeed.

Attributes of Servant Leadership

Servant leadership involves putting the needs of others first and prioritizing their well-being. Servant leaders are empathetic and compassionate, and they strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment for their team members. They focus on developing the skills and talents of their team members, and they empower them to take on leadership roles themselves. Servant leaders also lead by example, demonstrating integrity, humility, and a commitment to serving others.

Relationship with Authority

In followership, individuals are expected to respect and follow the authority of the leader. They are required to adhere to the leader's decisions and directions, even if they may not always agree with them. Followers must trust that the leader has the best interests of the team in mind and be willing to support their decisions. On the other hand, in servant leadership, the leader is seen as a facilitator and mentor rather than an authority figure. Servant leaders work collaboratively with their team members and seek input and feedback from them in decision-making processes.

Focus on Goals

Followership is focused on achieving the goals and objectives set by the leader. Followers work towards these goals by following the leader's direction and contributing their skills and expertise to the team. They are motivated by the vision and mission of the leader and strive to help the team succeed. In contrast, servant leadership is focused on the growth and development of the team members. Servant leaders prioritize the personal and professional development of their team members, helping them to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.

Communication Style

In followership, communication is typically top-down, with the leader providing direction and guidance to the team members. Followers are expected to listen to the leader and follow their instructions in order to achieve the team's goals. In servant leadership, communication is more collaborative and inclusive. Servant leaders encourage open communication and feedback from their team members, and they work to create a culture of trust and transparency within the team.

Impact on Team Dynamics

Followership can sometimes lead to a hierarchical dynamic within a team, with the leader at the top and the followers below. This can create a sense of power imbalance and limit the autonomy and creativity of team members. In contrast, servant leadership promotes a more egalitarian and empowering team dynamic. Servant leaders empower their team members to take on leadership roles and make decisions, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability within the team.

Conclusion

Followership and servant leadership are two distinct approaches to leadership and followership that have different attributes and impacts on teams. While followership focuses on following the direction of a leader and supporting their goals, servant leadership prioritizes the needs and development of team members. Both styles have their strengths and weaknesses, and the most effective leaders are able to incorporate elements of both followership and servant leadership in their approach to leading teams.