Leadership Styles

What are Leadership Styles?

Leadership Styles are personal attributes, characteristics, behaviors and motivations that culminate your leadership approach. Leadership can be defined as the ability to lead, guide, direct and influence people. When leaders are aligned with their mission, purpose and vision, they are enabled to create an arena filled with success and productivity.

Factors that Influence Your Leadership Style:
* Personal Background, personality, values, beliefs, ethics, morale and experience
* Who is being lead or supervised, to include their unique personalities and backgrounds
* How people respond to the way you act, speak and carry out leadership responsibilities
* The company or organization you work with; vision, philosophy and structure
* What is expected of you as a leader

What's Your Style?

The following sections will explore various Leadership Theories, Styles and characteristics.

Authoritative or Autocratic Leadership Style:

This approach to leadership demonstrates behavior indicative of old style, do what I say mentality. The Authoritative Style is not as prevalent in today's organizations. The leader with authoritative style has these characteristics:
* Harness as much control as possible when decisions are being made
* Limited to no consultation with staff on decision making
* "Do as I say", without questions asked
* Set structure for rewards and punishment
* Use fear tactics to motivate

Most Effective When:
* New employees are being trained
* Time is of the essence
* Coordination and organization are required immediately

Ineffective When:
* Employees are unresponsive or resistant to being told what to do
* Morale is low and turnover rate of employees is high

Bureaucratic:

Bureaucratic approach to leadership is “by the book”, and can tend to be rigid and incompatible with producing new results. For a company or organization that is structured by clearly defined policies and procedures, this type of leadership can be beneficial.

Most Effective When:
* Employees perform routine tasks consistently
* Policies and procedures are strictly enforced

Ineffective When:
* Employees lose passion for creating new experiences at work
* Change is required to produce new results

Democratic

The Democratic Leadership Style encourages contribution of the employees when decisions are being made. The Democratic Leader advocates inclusion and personal growth; and is able to resolve matters from an informed standpoint. Employees feel safe expressing ideas and concerns in a productive way using this approach.

Most Effective When:
* Employees are highly skilled at their respective positions
* Creating an atmosphere that is collaborative
* Keeping employees informed about what is going on
* Providing opportunities to advance and be promoted

Ineffective When:
* Time constraints are apparent
* Cost effectiveness is an issue
* Objectives are set in stone

Change Leadership:

The Change Leader promotes effectiveness, growth, reliability and accountability. The focus of this style of leadership is holistic, and sees the bigger picture.

When a company or organization undergoes a merger or acquisition, there is usually a shift in culture which can produce what is called a “gap”. Change Leaders aim to fill this gap by creating a unified atmosphere that is essential for success.

Creative Leadership:

The Creative Leader is usually found within organizations that promote creative abilities and creative projects.

Places you may find these types of leaders are in advertising and marketing firms. Creative Leaders strive for innovation and “newness”, and are able to easily inspire others.

How Coaching Can Help You Create Your Desired Leadership Style

What if you could craft a team of leaders that were empowered with the ability to tailor their own unique styles of leadership to effectively produce the results you desire within your company or organization?

The answer is simple; you can!

With assessing potential candidates for leadership, or creating “new” existing leaders, our Leadership Coaching Programs can serve this purpose for you.

Are you inspired to create a new leadership style?
Would you like to improve the way your employees respond to you?
Going through a transitional period?

We love to help leaders who are passionate with creating an effective, productive and sound working environment.

For more information on our Leadership Training services, visit here: Leadership Coaching

More Free Coaching Resources

footer for Leadership Styles page