For such it will be a later choice to serve - after leadership is established. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature. The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant-first to make sure that other people's highest priority needs are being served. Greenleaf is asking us to turn that on its head, and recognise that leadership starts with helping others achieve their ends. This approach does not deny the importance of company visions and goals, but recognises that these things are achieved if we look after the needs of others, rather than imposing our way, and expecting that others will want to subscribe to the ends that matter to ourselves.
Servant leadership is about more than leadership, however.
It is also about reintroducing the ethic and duty of care into our lives. In a world dominated by issues of power, selfishness and individuality, servant leadership offers a corrective that may help us restore some civility.