What Kind of Leader Are You?

When you are the leader of a team, big or small, it means you are responsible for those people and the work that they produce. Whether the group's business output is good or bad, the leaders are the ones that gets the praise or takes the fall. The manager's leadership style can have a direct effect on this outcome.

Different Types of Leadership Styles

There are various types of personalities in the workforce and they can all take on different leadership styles. Some like to take a step back and let their team run on their own and only chime in when needed. Others are on the opposite side of that spectrum and will want to have their hands and opinions in every detail. 

When you are given the opportunity to take that step up, it’s important to think about your leadership skills and personal leadership style. If there is a role model or someone who has had a positive impact, you may want to use those skills. If there are negative experiences you've had you may avoid those traits.

Below are some examples of kinds of leadership to help you find your own style. 

Coaching/Transformational Leadership

A transformational or coaching leadership style can motivate and encourage your team to learn and develop as they go. This is brought on by positive reinforcement and real time leadership throughout the tasks being accomplished. 

Instead of throwing difficult tasks to team members to figure out on their own, coaching or transformational leaders will guide help employees learn in the moment. This is a trait that leans into being very hands on with the group so that each member can be motivated and successful in their own way. 

Servant Leadership Style

This style of leadership role can be very rewarding since it revolves completely around the employees. The needs, thoughts, and feelings of each team member are first and foremost. Most who embody this leadership trait facilitate an open communication flow between themselves and the team around them. This approach breeds a happier, stress-less work environment that is believed to produce better work.

Autocratic Leader and Democratic Leader

Also called authoritarian leadership, autocratic leadership is clear, concise, and demands rule abiding employees. In certain roles this type of leader is highly beneficial to keep their people in line and on task. Generally, they will be very observant of the group and what is or is not getting done. There is a lot of attention to detail and confidence that builds this type of leader, as they always get the final say in terms of decision making. 

The opposite of this style is democratic leadership. This kind of leader shares the "power" with their people and lead by consensus. This is also called participative leadership. 

Hands-Off Approach 

This is a leader that takes care to build trust by leaving tasks to their employees. These leaders can facilitate a free-thinking atmosphere where each individual can accomplish things in the way they see fit and let their ideas lead them. What they achieve is in their hands and leaders are there for support and an overall business vision.

There are many other styles leadership such as charismatic leadership, transactional leadership, laissez faire leadership, and situational leadership. Whichever is the right leadership style for you, be the best leader you can be to help your teams succeed.

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