Trying to decide what type of leader you are or what kind of leader you want to be?
I found 20 different leadership styles exist during a Google search on “leadership styles.” That’s a lot of different personalities!
Adaptive
Affiliative
Authoritative
Autocratic
Bureaucratic
Charismatic
Coaching
Democratic
Directing
Great-Man
Laissez-faire
Maternalistic
Participative
Paternalistic
Servant
Situational
Strategic
Transactional
Transformational
Visionary
Do you know and can you define what a ‘leader’ is or what ‘leadership’ is? Again, millions of answers to a simple Google search. Leadership represents your core, your true nature. You know it’s there; you can feel it every day.
Leadership is a multifaceted concept that transcends mere authority or control. It involves the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide individuals or groups towards a shared goal. Effective leaders possess a unique blend of qualities and skills that enable them to create a positive and productive environment.
Leadership’s influence extends far beyond, impacting communities, families, and various aspects of everyday life.
So why label a type of leader? Most times, its for others to know what type of leadership style you will bring to the table. Other times, its just to know and see how your unique leadership style changes throughout the years.
If you must know what type of leader you are, you must start with an assessment test. Leadership styles are based on your personality. You could take a leadership / personality test to define your style.
My recommendation is to take a test every few years. We all change throughout our lives. Your leadership style will change. Your leadership style is also a mix of different styles.
To simplify this list (below), I narrowed it down to the 8 most common types of leaders.
Do you pick 1 type of leader to be (or are you this type of leader today)? Or are you a combination of 2 or more types of leaders?
You are already a leader; do you bypass this whole exercise and go on with being a great leader?
There is no right or wrong answer to that question. I’ve been in meetings where the manager required staff to take leadership and personality tests. The primary goal of the results is that the manager (new or seasoned) wanted to know their direct reports’ work styles. In some instances, the results work in favor of the manager. They can delegate certain projects and program to the person that has the best chance of program success.
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The leadership and personality tests should never (I mean never!) be used for retaliation purposes again team members and coworkers. It will turn a great department into a very toxic department.
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- Servant
Jesus did not come to be served but to serve. The goal of servant leadership is to build authority and influence through supporting and serving employees. It avoids the potentially toxic, more controlling tactics employed in some leadership styles and the hands-off approach of others. Be authentic. Servant leaders work continuously to build strong, authentic relationships. The result is a cultural buy-in. It will contribute to a positive employee experience, high employee engagement, and high employee satisfaction.
- Autocratic
You have all the decision-making power and exclude your team members and coworkers. It’s mainly a dictatorship for processes and procedures. The emphasis is on obedience, rule enforcement, and follows a clear chain of command. Unfortunately, loyalty is built through coercion, control, and fear. Bad for innovation and creativity leaving employees demoralized and inviting highly toxic work environments.
- Bureaucratic
Emphasizes a clear chain of command providing clarity and preventing confusion. The end result is defining roles and known hierarchy. This is best for highly specialized work following strict guidelines, processes, and rules. This is also very bad for innovation and creativity leaving employees demoralized and inviting highly toxic work environments.
- Transactional
Based on the traditions of the past, the emphasis is on organization, supervision, performance, compliance, and meeting goals. It utilizes rewards and penalties to motivate people. It can produce consistent, predictable results. Your team and coworkers see their intangible skills making tangible projects and impacts of their work when their goals are tied to the growth and success of the organization.
- Democratic
You encourage input from your teams and coworkers. It allows for open-minded communication, collaboration and transparency. You include your team and coworkers in the decision-making process. The end result will make your team feel valued resulting in a positive, collaborative work environment. This works great when your team has time to work through projects.
- Laissez-Faire
You are not a micromanager! Your team takes the initiative. You rely on the expertise and experience of your team and coworkers. Little guidance is given. You mentor your team. The result is complete creative and decision-making freedom for your team and coworkers.
- Charismatic
Are you passionate and want to inspire your team and coworkers? This leadership style is for you! You must have a strong system of communication and persuasiveness. You also have the skills to articulate your vision and mobilize and motivate your team and coworkers around it. Your clear goals encourage a strong workforce that collaborates and learns together. You must be passionate about the mission and provide a clear vision.
- Transformational
You are focused on getting your team to buy into the vision and unite over a shared sense of purpose. You support your team and coworkers. You use empathy and recognition to energize your teams. The result is a team that goes above and beyond the goals and mission of a successful project.
Throughout our professional and personal lives, our leadership styles ebb and flow. Our leadership styles change due to age, experience, and position. You may be 1 type of leader today and then next year, maybe be a combination of 2 or 3. So use this as a guide and pick the best parts for each leadership type based on your personality. That’s your leadership style.
