Have you ever wondered what makes a great leader? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but different situations call for different approaches. The good news is that there are several leadership styles you can develop, depending on your team and the task at hand. A wise leader knows how to adapt their style as situations change.
In this article, we’ll explore six common leadership styles:
- Authoritative
- Pace-setting
- Affiliative
- Democratic
- Coercive
- Coaching
We’ll also discuss when each style might be most effective, helping you find the right fit for your leadership journey.
What is a leadership style?
A leadership style is a leader’s approach to guiding, motivating, and managing their team or organisation. It includes their behaviours, strategies, and methods to influence others and achieve goals.
Each style has unique traits and effectiveness based on the context and people involved. For example, authoritarian leaders make decisions alone, while democratic leaders seek team input. Understanding different styles helps leaders adapt to their team’s needs and improve productivity and satisfaction.
What are the different types of leadership?
Here are the six common leadership styles and when to deploy them:
1. Authoritative Leadership
Authoritative leaders are confident and decisive. They set a clear vision for the team and inspire them to achieve it. They’re good at explaining the “why” behind tasks, which helps keep everyone motivated. This style fosters a sense of purpose and direction, making it a great choice for teams working towards a common goal.
Use authoritative leadership when:
- You have a well-defined vision for the project or team.
- Your team members are skilled and experienced but need direction.
2. Pace-setting Leadership
Pace-setting leaders set high standards and expect excellence from their team. They often lead by example, working hard and showing dedication.
This style can be very effective for results-oriented teams with strong individual contributors. However, it can also lead to burnout if the pressure becomes too much.
Use pace-setting leadership when:
- You have a highly skilled team that thrives on challenges.
- You need to achieve ambitious goals and deadlines.
3. Affiliative Leadership
Affiliative leaders prioritise harmony and build strong relationships within their teams. They’re good listeners, value input from others, and focus on creating a positive and supportive work environment.
This style can be highly effective for fostering collaboration and boosting team morale.
Use affiliative leadership when:
- You have a new team that needs to build trust and rapport.
- You’re working on a complex project that requires a lot of collaboration.
4. Democratic Leadership
Democratic leaders involve their team members in decision-making. They encourage open communication, discussion, and consider everyone’s input before taking action.
This style can be beneficial for building buy-in and fostering a sense of ownership among team members. However, it can also be slow-moving, especially for time-sensitive projects.
Use democratic leadership when:
- You need to make a complex decision, and different perspectives are valuable.
- You want to build buy-in and ownership for a new project or initiative.
5. Coercive Leadership
The coercive leader, sometimes called the “authoritarian” leader, relies on fear and direct commands to get things done. They may micromanage, be overly critical, and struggle to delegate tasks.
While this style can be effective in crises where immediate action is needed, it can also damage morale and stifle creativity in the long run.
Use coercive leadership when:
- There’s a pressing deadline and a clear course of action.
- You’re dealing with a team member who isn’t meeting expectations and needs clear direction.
6. Coaching Leadership
Coaching leaders focus on developing the skills and potential of their team members. They provide regular feedback, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
This style is excellent for building a strong, well-rounded team and preparing individuals for future leadership roles.
Use coaching leadership when:
- You have a team with potential for growth and development.
- You want to invest in the long-term success of your team members.
Find Your Leadership Style
To find your leadership style, follow these steps:
- Self-Assessment: Begin by evaluating your personality, values, and behaviours. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), DISC assessment, or emotional intelligence tests can offer valuable insights into your natural tendencies and strengths.
- Reflect on Experiences: Consider your past leadership roles and experiences. Analyse what worked well and what didn’t, and identify patterns in how you lead and interact with others.
- Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, and team members. Their perspectives can help you understand how your leadership style is perceived and where you might need to adjust.
- Identify Role Models: Think about leaders you admire and identify the traits and behaviours that you find effective. This can help you determine which aspects of their styles you might want to emulate.
- Experiment and Adapt: Try different leadership approaches in various situations to see what feels most comfortable and effective. Be open to adapting your style based on the context and the needs of your team.
It’s important to remember that there’s no single “best” leadership style. The most effective leaders are adaptable and can switch between styles depending on the situation and their team’s needs.
Consider your team’s strengths, weaknesses, and the task at hand when choosing your approach. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you as a leader.
By understanding these different styles and practising adaptability, you can become a more effective leader who inspires and motivates your team to achieve great things.
Embark on a Journey towards Leadership
Ready to be a transformational leader? Start by identifying which of the six leadership styles mentioned above feels most natural to you. Then, be flexible and adapt to other styles as circumstances and your team evolve.
Leadership is an evolving skill. Engage in continuous learning through reading, training, and professional development to refine and expand your leadership capabilities.
To further develop your leadership skills in areas like communication, change management, coaching, employee development, and remote team management, consider enrolling in a course like Master of Business Administration in Executive Leadership.
By completing this course, learners will gain the knowledge, skills, and strategic mindset needed to drive organisational success and lead with confidence in today’s global business environment.
