5 Leadership Styles – and How to Find One That Suits You
Leadership is an essential aspect of success in any organization; whether it is a small business or a global corporation. Being a successful leader often means understanding your strengths and weaknesses and finding a leadership style that suits you. Today, we will discuss the five most common leadership styles and how to find one that best fits your management style.
The 5 Leadership Styles
Autocratic Leadership Style
The autocratic leadership style is characterized by complete control by the leader and a lack of input or opinions from the employees. An autocratic leader makes all the decisions, sets the rules, and expects employees to follow them without question. While this style is effective in emergencies and situations where immediate action is required, it can lead to unhappy employees who may feel undervalued and unappreciated.
Democratic Leadership Style
The democratic leadership style involves a leader who encourages collaboration and teamwork. This style encourages employees to share ideas and opinions to make collective decisions. This style allows for open communication and creativity but may slow down decision-making processes.
Laissez-Faire Leadership Style
The laissez-faire leadership style allows employees to have complete freedom without any direct supervision from their manager. This style works best in high-skilled or specialized environments where employees have the necessary experience and skill set to work independently. It can lead to confusion, delayed decision-making, and a lack of productivity if employees are not adequately motivated.
Transactional Leadership Style
Transactional leadership is based on the idea of a transaction between a leader and their employees. Employees are rewarded based on their performance, and leaders offer incentives for good work. Employees who fail to meet standards receive consequences. This style works best in environments where clear-cut outcomes or deadlines are required.
Transformational Leadership Style
The transformational leadership style focuses on inspiring employees to achieve a shared goal. Leaders motivate employees by setting clear objectives and providing support. Transformational leaders often encourage creativity and innovation to achieve the organization’s goals. This style may require a significant level of trust and open communication between the leader and employees.
How to Find a Leadership Style That Suits You
The leadership style you choose should depend on your strengths, weaknesses, and organizational goals, among other factors. Here are a few tips to help you find a leadership style that suits you:
Assess your strengths and weaknesses
Being self-aware of your strengths and weaknesses is essential to find a leadership style that suits you. Take a step back, and think about your leadership style and your instincts. Ask for feedback from colleagues or employees about the areas where you excel and the areas where you may need to improve. Knowing where you excel and where you need support could help you choose the appropriate leadership style.
Evaluate your organizational goals
Consider your organization’s goals and culture. What type of structure do they have, and what leadership style can complement it? Understanding your organization’s values and goals can help you make an informed decision about the best approach.
Be flexible
It’s rare to find one leadership style that works for every situation, so be open to other styles when appropriate. Know that you may need to adjust your leadership style depending on the situation, circumstance, or team personality.