Leader Attributes

Leader Attributes. As in any leadership situation, the qualities and disposition

of the leader influence the servant leadership process. Individuals

bring their own traits and ideas about leading to leadership situations.

Some may feel a deep desire to serve or are strongly motivated to lead.

Others may be driven by a sense of higher calling (Sendjaya, Sarros, &

Santora, 2008). These dispositions shape how individuals demonstrate

servant leadership. In addition, people differ in areas such as moral development,

emotional intelligence, and self-determinedness, and these traits

interact with their ability to engage in servant leadership.

Follower Receptivity. The receptivity of followers is a factor that appears to

influence the impact of servant leadership on outcomes such as personal

and organizational job performance. Follower receptivity concerns the

question "Do all employees show a desire for servant leadership?" Research

suggests the answer may be no. Some subordinates do not want to work

with servant leaders. They equate servant leadership with micromanagement,

and report that they do not want their leader to get to know them ortry to help, develop, or guide them (Liden, Wayne, et al., 2008). Similarly,

Meuser, Liden, Wayne, and Henderson (2011) found empirical evidence

showing that when servant leadership was matched with followers who

desired it, this type of leadership had a positive impact on performance and

organizational citizenship behavior. The opposite was seen when there was

no match between servant leadership and the desire of subordinates for it.

It appears that for some followers, servant leadership has a positive impact

and, for others, servant leadership is not effective.