Servant Leader vs. Sheep Follower

Attribute	Servant Leader	Sheep Follower
Leadership Style	Puts the needs of others first, serves and empowers them	Follower who blindly follows without questioning or thinking for themselves
Decision Making	Collaborative, seeks input from others before making decisions	Relies on leader to make decisions for them
Independence	Encourages independence and growth in others	Dependent on leader for direction and guidance
Critical Thinking	Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills	Relies on leader for all solutions and answers

Introduction

Servant leadership and sheep followership are two contrasting styles of leadership that have been studied extensively in the field of organizational behavior. While servant leaders focus on serving the needs of their followers and empowering them to reach their full potential, sheep followers tend to passively follow the direction of their leaders without questioning or contributing to the decision-making process. In this article, we will explore the key attributes of both servant leaders and sheep followers to understand the differences between these two leadership styles.

Servant Leader Attributes

Servant leaders are known for their selflessness and commitment to serving the needs of their followers. They prioritize the well-being and development of their team members above their own personal interests. Servant leaders are empathetic and compassionate, actively listening to the concerns and feedback of their followers. They empower their team members by providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Servant leaders also prioritize building strong relationships with their followers based on trust, respect, and open communication.

Sheep Follower Attributes

On the other hand, sheep followers are characterized by their passive and compliant behavior towards their leaders. They tend to follow instructions without questioning or challenging the decisions made by their leaders. Sheep followers often lack initiative and critical thinking skills, relying on their leaders to provide them with direction and guidance. They may also struggle to take ownership of their work and make independent decisions. Sheep followers prioritize conformity and obedience to authority figures, often at the expense of their own personal growth and development.

Communication Style

Servant leaders communicate openly and transparently with their followers, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration within the team. They actively listen to the concerns and feedback of their followers, seeking to understand their perspectives and address any issues that may arise. Servant leaders encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback, creating a safe space for their team members to express their thoughts and ideas. In contrast, sheep followers may struggle to communicate effectively with their leaders, as they may feel hesitant to voice their opinions or challenge the status quo.

Decision-Making Process

Servant leaders involve their followers in the decision-making process, seeking input and feedback from team members before making important decisions. They value the diverse perspectives and experiences of their followers, recognizing that collective wisdom often leads to better outcomes. Servant leaders empower their team members to take ownership of their work and contribute to the decision-making process, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability within the team. Sheep followers, on the other hand, tend to passively accept the decisions made by their leaders without actively participating in the decision-making process.

Empowerment and Development

Servant leaders prioritize the empowerment and development of their followers, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. They invest in the growth and well-being of their team members, offering mentorship, training, and opportunities for advancement. Servant leaders encourage their followers to take on new challenges and develop their skills, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. In contrast, sheep followers may struggle to take initiative and seek out opportunities for growth and development, relying on their leaders to provide them with direction and guidance.

Relationship Building

Servant leaders prioritize building strong relationships with their followers based on trust, respect, and open communication. They take the time to get to know their team members on a personal level, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Servant leaders create a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members feel valued and appreciated. In contrast, sheep followers may struggle to build strong relationships with their leaders and peers, as they may prioritize conformity and obedience over building meaningful connections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attributes of servant leaders and sheep followers highlight the stark differences between these two styles of leadership. While servant leaders focus on serving the needs of their followers, empowering them to reach their full potential, and building strong relationships based on trust and respect, sheep followers tend to passively follow the direction of their leaders without questioning or contributing to the decision-making process. By understanding the key attributes of both servant leaders and sheep followers, organizations can cultivate a culture of servant leadership that empowers team members to thrive and succeed.