Respond to this post:Based on my experience in the military, every time we discuss leadership styles or identify what it means to be a servant leader, I always reflect on my time as a young Airman in the Air Force. Fortunately, I had an excellent first supervisor who was a servant leader. Based on what I learned throughout this course, servant leaders focus on the needs of others above their own, and that is precisely what she did. As a young NCO, she knew I needed a loyal, assertive personality to provide the feedback necessary to push me to become a better human and Airmen. She persuaded me to start school and volunteer and was there for me the day I got married. She even bought our wedding cake because we couldn't afford one. She protected me from leaders who felt I didn't adapt at the rate they thought I should, and she was willing to fight for me. Her commitment as a supervisor is one of the reasons I am a Chief today.

When it comes to decision-making, leadership styles play a significant role. Using the example above, as a servant leader, you have to listen, be aware, have foresight, and be sympathetic. Utilizing those qualities will influence you to make the right decision for the organization's members rather than your own. On the contrary, let's say you are a Laissez-Faire leader. These leaders tend to delegate, give freedom of choice, and provide resources for subordinates to make decisions. This may influence leaders to have less involvement and allow members to make decisions.