7 Types of Leadership Styles and How to Choose Yours

Leadership is the most important factor in the success of an organization and can affect its culture, productivity as well as overall efficiency.

Diverse situations and dynamics in teams need different leadership styles. Knowing these different styles and selecting which one is the best for you could significantly affect your performance as an executive. 

In this article we’ll explore the seven most popular leadership styles and offer suggestions about how you can select the most compatible with your character, objectives and those of your staff.

Autocratic Leadership

Types of Leadership

The leaders who have autonomy make decisions and demand strict compliance to their instructions. Although this type of leadership is effective in emergency circumstances, it can cause a lack of creativity and enthusiasm among the team members. Use this method when quick decision-making is required, but make sure to contribute and keep team spirit.

Transformational Leadership

Types of Leadership

Leaders who are transformational are able to inspire and motivate their employees by sharing a common vision as well as a desire to achieve amazing performance. They create a supportive environment which encourages creativity, as well as enable individuals to realize their potential to the fullest. If you are a firm believer in innovation, growth, and enduring success, then choosing a more transformative style of leadership is a good idea.

Servant Leadership

Types of Leadership

The leaders of the servant business are concerned with the wellbeing and growth of their employees. They are focused on encouraging individuals’ growth, establishing strong bonds, and ensuring that all requirements are being fulfilled. It can help create a positive and supportive workplace environment. Select servant leadership when you appreciate collaboration, empathy, and an approach that is centered around people.

Democratic Leadership

Types of Leadership

Democratic leadership involves employees 

in decision-making taking into consideration their suggestions as well as their ideas. The style promotes open communication as well as teamwork and an ownership feeling between employees. If you want to create the consensus of your employees, promote innovation and create a sense of being part of the team, democratic leadership may be the best option for you.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Types of Leadership

Laissez-faire leaders employ an approach of hands-off, giving the team members a lot of autonomy in the decision-making process and in the execution of tasks. The style encourages the spirit of self-motivation and creative thinking, but it demands a skilled and well-organized group. Opt for this method in collaboration with professionals who are adamant about their freedom of choice.

Transactional Leadership

Types of Leadership

Transparent leaders establish specific standards and rewards the team members who meet predefined objectives and standards of performance. They create structure and focus on effectiveness. Leadership that is transactional can be efficient for achieving goals in the short term as well as keeping an orderly environment. Take a look at this type of leadership If you’re looking for clear and concise guidelines in the workplace, as well as achieving particular goals.

Coaching Leadership

Types of Leadership

The leaders of coaching focus on individual development by offering guidance, feedback and assistance to assist team members in developing their capabilities. They concentrate on identifying strengths as well as areas to improve, and create the environment to be a place of learning. If you’re passionate about coaching, mentoring, and constant improvement, then coaching leadership may be the perfect fit.

Choosing Your Leadership Style

Types of Leadership

Finding the best leadership style is a thorough evaluation of your strengths, weak points and the setting that you are in. Take a look at the following ways to figure out which leadership style best suits your character and your goals.

Self-Assessment: Consider your experiences in leadership, your values and talents. Do you have a natural ability to be empathetic as well as assertive? The way to determine your strengths will lead you to a style that is compatible with your personality.

Know Your Team: Examine the composition of your team, their skills and inclinations. Situations may require various styles. Therefore, being able to adapt is vital.

The context is important: Think about your company’s values, culture and its objectives. An innovative startup could be benefited by transformational leadership whereas a stable company might need transactional management.

Find Feedback: Get feedback from your mentors, colleagues or even team members. These feedback sources can offer valuable insight about your leadership style and how it affects your work.

Flexibility: Don’t be confined to one type of leadership. Leaders who are effective can change their methods to change conditions.

Conclusion

The way you lead isn’t one-size fits all and is a combination of personal characteristics, situational awareness and the ability to think strategically. If you are familiar with the various styles of leadership as well as their specifics so that you are able to make well-informed decisions to improve your effectiveness as a leader. Be aware that the most effective leaders are able adapt their leadership style to the requirements of their teams and organizations to create a healthy and a positive atmosphere.

Also Read : Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important In Leadership?

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