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Table 1 Characteristics of prevalent leadership models

From: Servant leadership: an endangered species?

 

Servant/

transformative leader

Autocratic/ transactional leader

Indifferent leader

Leadership paradigm

“What’s needed of me?” (Empathy, servitude)

“What’s in it for me?” (Entitlement, abuse of power)

“How can I avoid controversy?” (Indifference)

Subordinates’ perspective

“How can I support this leader?” (Loyalty)

“How can I avoid this leader?” (Fear)

“How can I take advantage of this leader?” (Opportunism)

Leadership style

Credible role model

Dictatorship

Invisible

Decision-making style

Fosters argument and debate; takes calculated risks; involves others in decision-making

“Top-down” chain of command; imposes decisions on others

Risk-averse; avoids decision-making

Listening skills

Active empathetic listener

Passive listener

Passive/indifferent listener

Culture

“Just culture”

“Blame and shame”

“Flying under the radar”

How this leader makes you feel

Encouraged

Incompetent

Irrelevant