Winston Churchill: Servant Leadership

Winston Churchill is an example of a secular leader who has applied the principles of servant leadership (Hardy, 2010). Winston Church, a highly influential world leader, served as Prime Minister of Britain from 1940-1945 and again from 1951-1955 (Spencer, 2016). Researcher Benjamin Hardy (2010) observes the importance Churchill's trustworthiness, foresight, and commitment to the British people during the turbulent years of the Second World War. He also was skilled orator who gained the trust of the people of Britain and provided a vision of freedom, hope and unity for the country during the troubled wartime years (2010). The transformational leadership theory developed by J.M. Burns (1978) has some similarities with the servant leader model and also important differences. Transformational leadership was first identified with

Burns, Leadership (Riggio, 2009). In Burns' model, transformational leadership is distinguished by four qualities – inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and idealized influence (2009). The relationship between leader and follower is based intrinsic value rather than extrinsic reward and, as writer Robert Riggio (2009) notes, "transformational leaders go beyond mere charisma and strive to develop meaningful interpersonal relationships". Importantly, transformational leaders are at once visionary and morally compelling (Seligman, 1980). Their leadership instills widespread satisfaction, commitment and loyalty among followers (Riggio, 2009). The key concepts of motivation, inspiration and individualized development make transformational leaders highly influential (cite) and, because of their success as leaders, are also