SGT Parsons Followership Vs Servant Leader

The objective of this essay is to compare and contrast Followership vs. Servant Leadership. They are two different, but similar subject matters. What comes to mind, without being too religious, is Disciples as a possible description for the term Followership. When I heard the lesson, what came to mind when we were explained what Servant Leadership, also without being too religious, was Jesus. These terms are alien to me. The intention of using ideas I can understand is to have a reference.

I have researched the characteristics of Disciples and Jesus. I managed to convert the wording into common terms. I translated them to stay on topic. Eight for Followership, eight for Servant Leadership, and 4 for Similarities.

I will begin by listing and defining the characteristics I have for Followership. 

1.  Passionately Committed – wholeheartedly dedicated and places the mission first. 
2.  Extraordinary Love for People – keeps down the barriers that separate us. 
3.  Humble – make others shine. 
4.  Integrity – does the right thing when no one is looking. 
5. Respect – deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
6.  Cooperating – working together to the same end. 
7.  Student – takes interest in the pertained subject matter.
8.  Equipped – in a suitable state for an activity, action, or situation, mentally, prepared to take on a task and ready for others to follow, copy, or try to follow. In a fit state having one’s affairs in order as to deal with them efficiently.

Now, I proceed with a list and definitions I have for Servant Leadership. 

1.  Moral – concerned with the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness of human character or badness. 
2.  Good Communicator – skilled at conveying information, ideas, or policy to the public. 
3.  Wise – having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. 
4.  Selective – carefully chooses what is best suitable or best qualified.
5.   Patient – able to accept or tolerate delays, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious. 
6.  Charitable – relating to the assistance of those in need. 
7.  Giving – providing love or other emotional support; caring. 
8.  Forgiving – ready and willing to exonerate wrongdoing.

Similarities of each are: 

1.  Oath Bound – has made a promise and is willing to be punished if broken. 
2.  Loyal – giving or showing firm and constant support or allegiance to a person or institution. 
3.  Obedient – complying or willing to comply with orders or requests; submissive to another’s will. 
4.  Bold – take risks, is confident and courageous; stands out.

The purpose of this essay is to stress a finite-difference. A Followership is when one only waits until someone else tells us what to do instead of taking initiative. A Servant Leader has an international understanding and attains great notoriety. A Followership is emissaries, diplomats, or ambassadors who assist or help the Servant Leader who’s above them. The term Servant Leader has two meanings, the larger meaning of being a Servant and the narrow meaning to denote the Followership to the Servant Leader. We can say that all Servant Leaders are followership but all Followership is not Servant Leaders. A Servant Leader is a symbol of hope to many.

Cite this page