Servant leadership and transformational leadership appear to be similar. Servant leadership can be defined as the leadership style that puts the interest of the followers over self-interest. A servant leader emphasizes the wellbeing of the followers and puts the needs of the followers first ( Liden et al, 2014) . On the other hand, transformational leadership refers to the process where the leader engages the followers and creates an environment that motivates the team members ( Donohoe & Kelloway, 2016) . Comparing the two definitions, it can be noted that a servant leader works in order to help others while transformational leader works to motivate the followers. Based on the definitions, it is evident that the two leaders are similar with regards to the way their associate and interact with their followers.
The other similarity is evident in how the leaders work. Both servant and transformational leader often work to develop leaders (Northouse, 2016). This implies that they demonstrate the behavior that supports the personal development of their follower. In essence, the two leaders empower and nurture their followers.
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Although the two leadership styles have various similarities, there is a significant difference between them. In the servant leadership style, followers often come first and this implies that the leader does not direct, dominate or control but rather influence or share the control with their followers ( Spears & Lawrence, 2016) . This is as opposed to transformational leadership where the leader works to motivate and influence the followers.
In the biblical context, servant leadership is demonstrated on several occasions. For example, Jesus was a servant leader and always emphasized to help His followers. In Mark 10: 42-45 Jesus emphasized on servant leadership. Jesus indicated that whoever wants to become a great leader must be a servant and a slave for all people. He further indicated in His teachings that He did not come to be served but to serve others and give His life as a ransom to other people.
References
Donohoe, M., & Kelloway, E. K. (2016). Transformational leadership training for managers: effects on employee well-being. In Creating Healthy Workplaces (pp. 231-248). Routledge.
Liden, R. C., Wayne, S. J., Liao, C., & Meuser, J. D. (2014). Servant leadership and serving culture: Influence on individual and unit performance. Academy of Management Journal , 57 (5), 1434-1452.
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice (7th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Spears, L. C., & Lawrence, M. (Eds.). (2016). Practicing servant-leadership: Succeeding through trust, bravery, and forgiveness . John Wiley & Sons.
