If you want to develop effective leadership styles, you will want to recognize the good from the bad from the “please stop” methodologies. Read on…
We’ve all had a range of bosses. The memorable ones. Forgettable ones. And the ones we secretly (or not-so-secretly) googled “how to deal with difficult bosses” about.
Leadership, like artisanal coffee, comes in various blends and flavors. Some are smooth and invigorating, while others are, well, an acquired taste.
I’m writing about this topic because I’m a leading Behavioral Change Expert and executive coach for entrepreneurs and business people I help individuals and companies to manage challenging situations – and grow from their experiences – so they create happier and higher achieving results.
Over the years of working with executives and companies, it’s become very clear that leadership, in all its forms, impacts the work culture, morale, and output of a team.
With this in mind I put together this article about the 9 most common leadership styles.
Let’s dive into this quick rundown of leadership styles.
This leader doesn’t just instruct; they inspire. They’re the Yoda to your Luke Skywalker, guiding with wisdom, patience, and the occasional cryptic advice. Their legacy isn’t just in results, but in the leaders they help cultivate.
This leader often thrives on altruism and the satisfaction derived from helping others grow. They might have had a mentor themselves, shaping their understanding of effective guidance.
Consider Satya Nadella at Microsoft. He transformed the company culture by focusing on empathy and growth mindset, acting as a mentor and inspiring employees to learn and innovate.
A beacon of fairness, they invite opinions, foster open discussions, and often make decisions by consensus. They’re like that referee everyone respects because they make sure every player gets a fair shot.
These leaders value inclusivity and believe in the collective intelligence of the group. Their approach often stems from a high level of emotional intelligence and a democratic value system.
A great example is Sundar Pichai of Google. He’s known for encouraging open discussions and involving his team in decision-making, fostering a sense of shared purpose.
With an eye firmly on the horizon, they inspire the team with a clear and compelling vision of the future. They’re the dreamers, the Elon Musks of leadership, always gunning for the next big thing.
Visionary leaders are often driven by a strong sense of purpose and the desire to make a significant impact. Their forward-thinking nature might stem from a combination of high-level abstract thinking and intrinsic motivation.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, epitomized this style. His ability to foresee future trends and inspire others with his vision was a key factor in Apple’s innovation.
Ever felt like someone’s watching every keystroke you make? That’s the micromanager. They love details. Adore them. So much so, they often miss the forest for the incredibly specific trees.
This behavior often stems from anxiety, a need for control, or a lack of trust in others’ abilities. It can also be a result of perfectionism.
In a small tech startup, a CEO’s micromanagement led to employee burnout and high turnover. Only after a leadership coaching intervention did the CEO learn to delegate effectively.
They fly in sporadically, often making a lot of noise, dump a lot of… decisions and opinions on everyone, and then fly away, leaving the team to deal with the aftermath.
This style might emerge from a combination of disorganization, a hands-off approach, or being overwhelmed with their responsibilities.
A marketing director known for this style created chaos in campaign planning. The team, however, turned this into an opportunity for autonomy and excelled by self-organizing.
You’ve heard they exist. There might be photographic evidence. But they’re rarely seen, and even more rarely heard. Decisions? Guidance? You’re mostly on your own with this spectral leader.
Sometimes this is a result of disengagement, lack of confidence in leadership abilities, or being spread too thin with responsibilities.
In a retail company, the ghosting CEO’s absence led middle management to step up, fostering unexpected leadership growth within the team.
Their mood dictates the office climate. Sunny one day, stormy the next. Pack an emotional umbrella because you never know what the forecast will be.
Psychological Underpinnings:
This leader’s mood swings may be due to emotional regulation issues or high-stress levels. They might be unaware of the psychological contagion of their moods.
Case Study:
A project manager with mood swings created a volatile environment. A team member’s initiative for regular feedback sessions helped the manager become more self-aware and stabilize the team’s climate.
Remember that idea you pitched? Well, it’s theirs now. They bask in the glory of successes (even if they had little to do with them) and are swift to pass the buck when things go south.
This behavior often originates from deep-seated insecurity, a need for validation, or imposter syndrome.
A department head routinely took credit for the team’s ideas. An intervention by HR highlighting the importance of recognition led to a more collaborative and acknowledging leadership style.
Everything is a production. The office feels less like a workplace and more like a soap opera. Expect theatrics, cliffhangers, and a lot of “To be continued…”
This could stem from a need for attention, a lack of maturity, or being accustomed to chaos. Sometimes, it’s a misguided way of motivating others.
A sales manager loved creating urgency through drama. A coaching session helped them realize the stress it caused, leading to a more balanced approach.
I hope you enjoyed reflecting on these various leadership styles.
If this has whetted your appetite for more personalized guidance on leadership styles, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to support you in becoming the leader you were meant to be. Set up a free Zoom exploratory call here.
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