Leadership is a hot topic lately. People talk about what makes a good leader and how there are different styles and ways to lead.
There are 11 leadership styles that I am going to go over today.
There are different types of leadership styles in each work environment. There are advantages and disadvantages with each style. The culture and goals of an organization determine which leadership style fits best
Laissez-Faire
A leader that is laissez-faire in style, lacks direct supervision of employees and fails to provide employees with feedback on a regular basis to help them improve. This leadership style hinders the production of employees needing supervision. It also can lead to poor production, lack of control and increasing costs for the company.
Autocratic
The autocratic leadership style allows managers to make decisions without consulting with others first. These managers possess total authority and impose their will on employees. No one challenges their decisions. This style benefits employees who require close supervision. On the other hand, creative employees who thrive in group functions strongly dislike this leadership style.
Participative
This style of leadership is often referred to as democratic leadership, and it values the input of team members and peers, while still leaving the responsibility of making the final decision with the participative leader. Participative leadership boosts employee morale because employees are actively making contributions to the decision-making process and feel involved and engaged. When a company needs to make changes within the organization, the participative leadership style helps employees accept changes easily because they play a role in the process.
Transactional
Managers using the transactional leadership style have certain tasks that need to be performed and they provide rewards or punishments to team members based on results of their performance. Managers and team members set predetermined goals together, and employees agree to follow the direction and leadership of the manager to accomplish those goals. The manager has the power to review results and train or correct employees when goals are not met. Employees receive bonuses when they accomplish goals in this style.
Transformational
The transformational leadership style depends on high levels of communication from upper management to meet goals. Leaders motivate employees and enhance productivity and efficiency with communication and high visibility. This style requires involvement from management to meet goals. Leaders focus on the big picture and delegate tasks to the team to accomplish goals in the time frame they need to be met by.
Charismatic
The charismatic leadership style influences others through power of personality. The leader acts energetically, motivating others to move forward. They inspire passion and belief in the team.
Innovative
The innovative leadership style is one that understands the entire situation and goes beyond the usual course of action. They can see what is not working and bring new thinking and action into play.
Command and Control
A leadership style that is command and control is one that follows the rules and expects others to do the same.
Pace Setter
A leader that is a pace setter tends to set high performance standards for themself and for the group they are leading. They epitomize the behavior they seek in others.
Servant
In leadership, a servant type of leader puts service to others before self-interest. They include the whole team in decision making and provide tools to get the job done. These leaders tend to stay out of the spotlight and let their teams accept the credit for results.
Situational
A situational leader will link behavior with group readiness. This includes being direct and supportive, while empowering and coaching.
Knowing these 11 leadership styles should help you to learn what style you tend to be most and what styles you may want to incorporate into your own leadership to become better.
If you would like to explore your own leadership style further and talk about ways you can improve on it, please reach out. Or, perhaps you work for a style different than you. That can be challenging! I would love to have a conversation and see how I can support you.
