Leadership styles can differ from person to person, and some may adopt varying styles in their leadership methodology. Evaluating your individual leadership style will help you identify any problems that may arise with that specific style and create solutions based upon the immediate needs and reactions of your team.
1. The Authority
Known as the “follow me” leader, authoritative leaders take the time to explain their thoughts and allow their team to voice their solutions and concerns. Authoritative leaders are confident and empower others, and have a straight-forward no-nonsense communication style.
2. The Autocrat
Known as the “do as I say or else” type of leader, autocratic leaders don’t lend opinions from others and make decisions based on their own knowledge and skills. Although not a popular leader style in today’s working environment, autocratic leaders make on-the-spot decisions when teams are too new or inexperienced to give valuable input.
3. The Democrat
Known as the “what do you think?” type of leader, democratic leaders usually get their employees involved when making final decisions, genuinely taking their solutions and opinions into account. This style promotes employee morale and creativity, enabling employees to voice their opinions with validity.
4. The Pacesetter
Known as the “do what I do” type of leader, pacesetting leaders push their team to do their tasks better and faster. Pacesetting leaders are excessively driven and tend to want to see results quickly, putting pressure and stress on employees. This style has it’s advantages and disadvantages, pushing driven employees to brush up on their skills to do better, but causing other employees large amounts of anxiety, ultimately leading to them not feeling good enough.
5. The Coach
Known as the “consider this” type of leader, coaching leaders see talent in others and work to unlock their potential. Patient and unbiased, these leaders empower others by ways of teaching, mentoring and coaching, believing all people have potential with a push in the right direction.
6. The Affiliate
Known as the “people come first” type of leader, this leader gets up close and personal with people, supporting the emotional needs of their team, opening up pipelines that connects him/her to their team. They promote collaborative relationships between team members and reassure others during times of stress.
7. The Laissez-Faire
Known as the “highly-skilled-people leader” these leaders typically lead teams who are already highly skilled, putting trust in their team to make the right business decisions with equal input. Although it can have it’s advantages when leading highly skilled individuals, this aloof leadership style may result in lack of direction without the right input.
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