Shepherd vs. Sheep Herder

Many people do not know the difference between a shepherd and a sheep herder.  Today I shall attempt to describe the difference in my own personal way.

A shepherd leads, guides, trains, protects, cares for, worries about, is concerned with regard to his/her flock and each member of it.  He/she goes to great length to be sure the flock understands where the flock is headed because he/she is at the head of it as it moves.  He/she cares for the emotional/mental/physical health of his/her flock, protecting from harm whether from within or from without.  He/she takes pro-active measures to assure the flock is not attacked by enemies that could destroy it.  He/she provides for the flock in order to keep the members of it healthy and productive.  The shepherd expects no loss from the flock.  There is no margin upon which he/she is satisfied.  He/she spares no effort to salvage every lamb of the flock.

A sheep herder, on the other hand, pushes a milling flock in an attempt to get it to go the direction he wants it to go without ever giving direction or even a hint as to which way he/she wants the flock to go.  He/she merely prevents the flock from going the way he/she does not want it to go and thus forces the flock to move the direction he/she wants it to go.  The sheep herder is not concerned with the health of the flock, because he/she is merely an employee hired to do a job.  His/her position isn't one of of care and concern, but only one of results.  Losses are expected by the sheep herder and he bases his/her "success" on a "margin" of loss. 

Similarities could be drawn between these two leadership styles and the types of corporate leaders we see in the business world today.  The most effective leaders of the most productive companies are generally those who use the "shepherd" style of leadership.  They are they who look for success by training, by teaching, by coaching,  and by example.  Morale is generally high, incidents of personal injury are low and individual energy and innovative thinking are high.

Companies that struggle, it appears to me, are those who subscribe to the "sheep herder" method.  They use force and  coercion, intimidation and bullying techniques in order to push their employees.  Morale is generally low, incidence of personal injury are relatively higher, individual energy and innovative thinking are relatively low.

I personally use the "shepherd" method of leadership.  Unfortunately many of those around me subscribe to the "sheep herder" mentality.

I suspect many of our governmental elites are also "sheep herders" and are not "shepherds".  Way too few of our so-called leaders are willing to lead.  Instead they follow whatever lead the masses happen to take.