Followership And Servant Leadership In The Army

Followership and Servant Leadership in the Army: A Foundation for Success

The military, particularly the army, thrives on a complex interplay of leadership and followership. While strong leadership is often lauded, effective followership is equally crucial for mission success and unit cohesion. This article delves into the intertwined nature of followership and servant leadership within the army context, examining their individual characteristics, their synergistic relationship, and their crucial impact on operational effectiveness, morale, and overall readiness. We will explore how these principles contribute to building a resilient and high-performing military force.

Understanding Followership in the Army

Followership in the army isn't merely passive obedience; it's a proactive and engaged role that requires a unique blend of skills and attributes. Effective followers actively contribute to the success of their unit, not just by complying with orders, but by offering valuable input, taking initiative, and demonstrating unwavering commitment.

Key Characteristics of Effective Army Followers:

• Competence: Effective followers possess the necessary technical and tactical skills to perform their duties proficiently. This includes mastering their individual military occupational specialties (MOS) and continuously striving for professional development. Continuous learning is paramount in the ever-evolving military landscape.

• Commitment: Unwavering loyalty and dedication to the unit's mission and values are essential. This includes a strong sense of duty, responsibility, and willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good. This commitment extends beyond the immediate task to the overall goals of the army and the nation.

• Critical Thinking: Blind obedience is detrimental. Effective followers critically assess orders, identify potential challenges, and proactively offer solutions. They are not afraid to respectfully question orders or procedures if they believe a safer or more effective approach exists.

• Initiative: Proactive followers anticipate needs, take initiative to address problems, and do not wait for instructions on every aspect of their responsibilities. They are problem-solvers, identifying and resolving issues before they escalate.

• Communication: Effective communication is vital. Followers should clearly communicate their understanding of tasks, provide constructive feedback, and report concerns promptly and professionally. Open and honest communication fosters trust and mutual respect.

• Teamwork: The army operates on teamwork; effective followers collaborate effectively with peers and superiors, fostering a positive and supportive team environment. They are willing to assist others and contribute to collective success.

• Adaptability: The army constantly faces evolving challenges. Effective followers demonstrate adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, readily adjusting to changing circumstances and maintaining effectiveness under pressure. Flexibility and resilience are crucial for success in dynamic environments.

• Integrity: Maintaining high ethical standards, honesty, and trustworthiness is crucial for building trust within the unit. Integrity builds confidence in leadership and among peers.

The Essence of Servant Leadership in the Army

Servant leadership, a leadership philosophy focused on serving the needs of others, finds powerful application within the military context. In the army, servant leaders prioritize the well-being, growth, and development of their subordinates, fostering a climate of trust, respect, and shared responsibility.

Core Principles of Servant Leadership in the Army:

• Listening: Servant leaders are exceptional listeners, actively seeking to understand the perspectives, needs, and concerns of their followers. This fosters a culture of open communication and trust. Active listening allows for better understanding and problem solving.

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of their subordinates is crucial. Servant leaders strive to connect with their followers on a personal level, fostering empathy and building strong relationships. Emotional intelligence is key to effective servant leadership.

• Persuasion: Rather than wielding authority, servant leaders use persuasion and influence to motivate and guide their followers. They build consensus and foster buy-in, enhancing teamwork and commitment. Collaboration and consensus-building replace coercive power structures.

• Stewardship: Servant leaders act as stewards of their unit's resources and personnel, prioritizing the long-term well-being and growth of both. They create a sustainable environment where individuals can thrive. Resourcefulness and sustainability are important aspects of stewardship.

• Commitment to the Growth of People: Servant leaders actively invest in the professional and personal growth of their followers, providing opportunities for development, mentoring, and feedback. They focus on empowering their team members. Mentorship and empowering others foster long-term success.

• Building Community: Servant leaders foster a strong sense of community within their units, emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect. This creates a positive and supportive environment where individuals feel valued and respected. Strong unit cohesion leads to better performance and morale.

The Synergistic Relationship Between Followership and Servant Leadership

The effectiveness of servant leadership hinges heavily on the quality of followership. When followers demonstrate competence, commitment, initiative, and a willingness to learn and grow, servant leaders can more effectively empower them, delegate tasks, and foster a climate of shared responsibility. Conversely, strong followership strengthens the impact of servant leadership. This creates a virtuous cycle of mutual respect, trust, and enhanced performance.

• Enhanced Communication: Effective followers actively participate in communication, providing valuable feedback and insights. Servant leaders actively listen to this feedback, creating a more informed and responsive leadership style.

• Improved Teamwork: Servant leaders foster a culture of teamwork, and committed followers actively contribute to this collaborative environment. This results in increased efficiency, higher morale, and improved mission accomplishment.

• Increased Motivation: When followers feel valued and respected by servant leaders, their motivation and commitment increase. This translates into improved performance and a greater sense of purpose.

• Greater Adaptability: Strong followership, combined with a servant leadership approach, allows units to adapt more readily to changing circumstances and challenges. This resilience is essential in the ever-evolving military landscape.

• Improved Problem-Solving: Servant leaders encourage open communication and critical thinking. Effective followers actively participate in this process, contributing to innovative solutions and proactive problem-solving.

The Impact on Operational Effectiveness and Morale

The combined effect of strong followership and servant leadership significantly impacts operational effectiveness and unit morale. Units characterized by these principles exhibit higher levels of:

• Mission Accomplishment: Teams with strong followership and servant leadership are more effective in accomplishing their missions, demonstrating greater efficiency, adaptability, and resilience.

• Cohesion and Morale: A positive and supportive environment fostered by servant leadership boosts morale and enhances unit cohesion. This improves teamwork and reduces stress.

• Retention: Soldiers are more likely to remain in the army when they feel valued, respected, and empowered. Servant leadership and strong followership contribute significantly to retention rates.

• Reduced Stress and Burnout: A supportive environment reduces stress and burnout among soldiers, leading to improved mental and physical health. This enhances operational readiness and overall effectiveness.

• Increased Innovation and Creativity: Servant leadership empowers followers to contribute ideas and initiatives, fostering innovation and creativity within the unit. This enhances adaptability and problem-solving capabilities.

Conclusion: Cultivating a Culture of Followership and Servant Leadership

Cultivating a culture of strong followership and servant leadership requires a concerted effort at all levels of the army. This includes:

• Leadership Training: Emphasis on servant leadership principles in leadership training programs is critical. This includes workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities.

• Followership Development: Training programs should focus on developing effective followership skills, emphasizing critical thinking, initiative, and communication.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment of open communication, trust, and mutual respect is essential. Regular feedback mechanisms and opportunities for dialogue are crucial.

• Recognition and Rewards: Recognizing and rewarding both exceptional leadership and effective followership helps reinforce desired behaviors and creates a positive feedback loop.

By prioritizing the development of strong followership and servant leadership, the army can cultivate a more resilient, effective, and highly motivated force capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. The synergistic relationship between these two vital aspects of military culture is essential for operational success, high morale, and ultimately, the readiness and effectiveness of the army as a whole. This integrated approach ensures a strong and adaptable fighting force, dedicated to its mission and the values it upholds.