At some point in time, everyone has to assume the role of a leader. Each leader is unique and has their own ways of functioning. In other words, each one adopts a different leadership style. Check out the blog to identify your leadership style.
How to identify your leadership style?
In modern organizations, with employees working as teams, the idea of leadership seems to have gained relevance. Some of us are born leaders, while others develop into great ones.
Different leaders adopt their own styles, and it is crucial to identify your leadership style.
Read on to understand what a leadership style is, its different types, and finally, determine which one you follow.
What is a leadership style?
In essence, leadership style refers to the behaviors and techniques a leader adopts in managing, coordinating, and leading his team. It is the broad set of strategies the leader employs to achieve the team’s objectives and goals while ensuring the well-being of the various members and other stakeholders.
Different types of leadership styles
Let’s delve into the various commonly used leadership styles adopted by leaders worldwide.
Democratic Leadership
Democratic leadership is where leaders make decisions in collaboration with the team members. While the leader makes the final decision, the opinions and views of all team members are taken into consideration. This is the leadership style widely adopted in companies.
Autocratic Leadership
Autocratic leadership style refers to leaders being authoritative, domineering, and coercive towards their subordinates. There is practically no concept of “team” as the leaders dominate. Members or subordinates grow little, and in essence, it is not a preferred leadership model.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leadership refers to the style wherein leaders work towards motivating, developing, and encouraging their teams. The focus is on employee motivation, a culture of feedback, and boosting morale. Transformational leaders are charismatic, whose personalities and traits attract the cooperation of their teams.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership refers to the style wherein leaders believe that team members are motivated by rewards and that a proper team structure is mandatory. They keep checking their employees’ progress statuses and focus on goal achievement.
Visionary Leadership
Visionary leadership refers to the style wherein leaders hold a vision and are focused on achieving long-term goals. These leaders are exceptional communicators who encourage collaboration and teamwork. They play a significant role in the growth and development of their employees.
Situational Leadership
Situational Leadership refers to the style wherein leaders alter their working modes or strategies depending on the situation. These leaders believe and understand that change is the only constant variable. This leadership style is apt for present-day startups and small businesses characterized by uncertainties and wherein employees don’t need to stick to the same plan and can flexibly modify it to suit the situation.
Coaching Leadership
Coaching leadership refers to the style wherein leaders focus on mentoring and nurturing each employee toward their individual growth and development. While this is quite similar to the democratic leadership style, the major difference lies in the latter being more employee-focused. These leaders serve as great mentors and encourage their employees to take up new tasks, carry out major activities independently and create and achieve their ambitions.
Conclusion
In the era of cut-throat competition, businesses must have astute leaders to stay competitive. It may not be possible to narrow down to one style, as in today’s complex business scenario, a leader might need to adopt a hybrid of more than one leadership style.
About the Author
Simon Chou is the Vice President of Operations and Growth at BCjobs.ca. Over the course of his career, he carved a niche in brand development, marketing strategy, and online presence for startups. Prior to joining BCJobs.ca, Simon was an advisor for several global blockchain projects including Litecoin, NEM, and Ripple. In the past, he also worked with Fortune 500 companies in the healthcare space through SM Digital—a global marketing agency.
