There are several different leadership styles that can be unique to each individual; however, experts agree that most leaders fit into at least one of these nine different leadership styles. When you analyze which leadership style you use, Lindor said, keep in mind that there are no right or wrong styles.
“It’s all about pairing leadership styles with the right organizational fit, market, timing and needs in a way that drives successful outcomes,” said Lindor.
- Autocratic leadership: This is one of the strictest types. Autocratic leaders tend to have complete control over the decision-making process. This leadership style can be effective when decision-making is urgent or workmanship is routine.
- Bureaucratic leadership: Although not as strict as autocratic leaders, bureaucratic leaders also tend to strictly enforce regulations and statuses in the hierarchy. This leadership style can be effective in healthcare and safety environments.
- Charismatic leadership: Charismatic leaders have an infectious presence that motivates their team to follow their lead. Their likability helps them and their teams achieve success in business. This leadership style can be effective in high-energy work environments that need a lot of positive morale.
- Democratic leadership: Unlike autocratic or bureaucratic leaders, a democratic leader often welcomes subordinate participation in decision-making. This leadership style is often admired and can be effective in creative work environments that don’t require quick decisions.
- Laissez-faire leadership: Laissez-faire leaders have a hands-off approach and let their employees assume responsibility in the decision-making process, although they must still set employee expectations and monitor performance. This leadership style can be effective when working with highly experienced and confident employees.
- Servant leadership: Servant leaders share power and decision-making with their subordinates and often direct the organization based on the interests of the team. This leadership style can be effective for humanitarian organizations, nonprofits, and teams that need to create diversity, inclusion, and morale.
- Situational leadership: Situational leaders can implement a range of leadership types and modify their style based on the needs of their employees and the environment. Because of its versatility, this type of leadership can be effective in most organizations.
- Transactional leadership: A transactional leader uses a reward/consequence system to motivate employees to achieve success and discourage them from failure. This leadership style can be effective for teams who are motivated by rewards.
- Transformational leadership: Similar to charismatic leaders, transformational leaders use their inspiring energy and personality to create an infectious workplace. This type is often more effective than charismatic leadership, as it also motivates teams to build confidence and accountability. It can be effective in organizations that have intellectual team members who thrive in interactive environments.
Each style of leadership has its own advantages and disadvantages, although some styles are commonly seen as more desirable. For example, most small businesses can benefit from transformational, democratic or situational leadership.
“The leadership styles that I most admire are transformational, which is about articulating an inspiring vision and helping people reinvent themselves and their company; servant leadership, which is all about taking care of your clients, employees and the general community; and situational leadership, which is all about creating an agile way of leading and thinking depending on the needs of the organization or marketplace,” said Lindor.
Source: Businessnews.daily
