Contrast Between Situational and Servant Leadership
Paul Hersey and colleagues created the situational leadership model, which is based on the theory that successful results are achieved when a great opportunity matches a given leadership style. In situational leadership style, flexibility, especially when directing the subordinates is paramount. The initial behaviors demonstrated by the managers through situational leadership style may be defined as a relationship or task behavior. The focus is on the individual’s dimension, while task behavior is mainly concerned with the production aspect.
On the other hand, in servant leadership, Robert Greenleaf maintained that a leader must be a servant first. The approach encourages the ethical use of power, collaboration, empowerment, and trust. In servant leadership, the needs of others come first, while a leader recognizes and supports other people’s views to achieve their set goals. A servant leader involves followers in decision-making, thus creating a sense of community, which translates to stronger bonds with team members.
In situational leadership, Hersey insists that for leaders to influence followers, they must assess an individual’s readiness for a given task to know the specific style of leadership to apply in such a situation. In this model, the leader must understand the ability and willingness of a person to complete a given task since this aspect is likely to influence the results. Hence, the leaders should assess the level of commitment, confidence, and motivation of followers to complete a given task.
Comparison Between Situational and Servant Leadership
Both servant and situational leadership styles insist on the flexibility of a leader to accommodate all individuals to achieve maximum results. Both styles focus on an individual’s strengths, dimensions, and willingness to complete a given task. In both cases, the leader recognizes the need to have teamwork and cooperation among the workers. Lastly, the leader is responsible for placing each follower in a position where he/she can work best to achieve the set goal in both approaches.
Contribution to the Success or Failure in Organizations
Servant leadership encourages positive results because the leader and the followers can understand each other as they collaborate. The leader is not authoritative and guides the subordinates. He/she acknowledges other peoples views and offers support to achieve set objectives. Nonetheless, servant leadership is likely to fail in autocratic or hierarchical cultures where the leaders have the responsibility of making all the decisions. In such a setting, it can be difficult for a manager to interact and earn respect from his juniors. Hence, it is essential for a leader to understand that the readiness level varies amongst the group members. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the followers, the leader is in a position to determine the style to employ.
Under the situational leadership, high chances of success within a given organization are evident since the leader channels their efforts to be in line with a given situation. Additionally, the leader can assess the ability and skills of an individual to assign duties depending on their capability. Hence, given the competence and willingness of the followers, the leader is likely to achieve the intended results, leading to the success of an organization. However, if a leader fails to understand his follower’s strengths and weaknesses, the results of a given assignment or task are likely to be detrimental.
Leaders in Both Leadership Styles
In the world, several leaders have displayed situational leadership skills. One of the notable examples is Dwight Eisenhower, the former president of the United States. He was the country’s leader after the Second World War and a commander well known for his diplomatic skills and ability to collaborate with other allied leaders to defeat the Nazis. Through his strong military background, he gained skills on how to direct and order while working in line with a given situation to achieve positive results. His expertise earned him respect and hence was elected for two terms.
One of the World’s greatest servant leaders was Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa. Mandela championed for other peoples’ interests before considering his needs as he fought for equality. He risked his life and took to the streets and later endured harsh treatment while in prison. However, he did not give up his will to liberate the people. After imprisonment, he became the President and demonstrated servant leadership even as a national leader.
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