Effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Different situations, teams, and challenges require different leadership styles. Understanding these styles can help you identify your own strengths, adapt when necessary, and lead with more significant impact. Here are the nine leadership styles:
1. Democratic Leadership. The group participates in your decision-making process. Also known as participative or shared leadership.
2. Autocratic Leadership. You control the decision-making process. Also known as Authoritarian leadership, this is most common in inexperienced leaders.
3. Laissez-Faire Leadership. Trusting your employees to make the right decisions, as they have the skills and experience to make the best decisions at that moment.
4. Strategic Leadership. Creating a vision for your team that enables it to remain agile and adapt to changing conditions as they arise.
5. Transformational Leadership. This leadership approach is one that causes change in individuals or larger systems. The goal is to develop those under you into future leaders.
6. Transactional Leadership. This leadership style focuses on organisation and performance, supervising your team to ensure success.
7. Coach-Style Leadership. Coach-style leaders work with their teams to unlock their potential through support and training.
8. Bureaucratic Leadership. This leadership style favours rigid structure and efficient systems. These tend to be found in larger companies where there are many degrees of management.
9. Compassionate Leadership. Compassionate Leadership involves using both the head and heart to inspire and influence people so that they, in turn, can inspire and influence others in a positive way, thereby impacting not just themselves but also others and the planet.
The most effective leaders adapt based on the needs of their team and the situation. Recognising your dominant style can help you refine your leadership approach while developing flexibility in how you lead.
What style of leadership do you prefer to use? What style of leadership do you prefer to receive? Which Leadership Style is right for you?
If you’d like to explore your leadership style and how to maximise your impact, coaching can help. Let’s work together to refine your leadership approach get in touch today!
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