Not all leaders manage their teams or projects in the same way. While the end result from different leaders might conclude in a similar way, the method of getting to that point can look very different depending on the style of leadership that the manager has. Taking a course in leadership is one of the easiest ways of establishing what the best leadership style is for you.
Most leaders tend to develop their leadership style based on the type of career or field in which they are leading. If a person changes roles or industries, there might need to be a shift in leadership styles to readjust to find the best way to guide a team in order to cultivate the best working environment for a happy and efficient taskforce.
The ten common leadership styles found in businesses and organisational management:
1. Democratic leadership
This is also known as a participative leadership style. A democatic leader tends to make decision-making process which involves the team members and the staff get to have a say in what direction a project or task will take. The result of this leadership style is that the views of the company generally comes from the employees and not only the top-tier of management.
2. Autocratic leadership
Also referred to as an authoritarian, the autocratic leader operates in the opposite way as the democratic leader. The autocratic leader has absolute control of decisions in a company and team members and employees are given instructions but their opinion is not considered. Delegation is a major component in autocratic leadership while the leader expects tasks to be completed.
3. The Coach
A leader who displays a coaching style understands how important it is to realize what their team members’ strengths and weaknesses are. The coaching leader uses these traits to help the member to improve – working on their weaknesses and honing their strengths. This includes regular tasks or assignments, feedback, and challenges. The leader also is skilled at setting realistic and clear goals in order to encourage improvement and efficiency as well as to put reachable objectives in place so that the team can see how and where they are excelling and where extra work needs to be put in.
4. Servant Hearted
Servant leadership is most prominent in non-profit organisations and the style is displayed by a leader who puts the team members before themselves or before their work. A servant leader is excellent at building morale and encouraging team members to achieve more than they set out to.
5. Laissez-faire
Laissez-faire is French for “let do” and indicates a very hands-off approach. This leadership style is commonly found in creative industries where the employees are given tasks and then the leader does not get involved, letting the team members get on the work. This style of leadership requires trust that the employees will complete their work timeously. It also allows a relaxed environment which can result in unpressured creativity.
6. Pacesetter
The pacesetting leader is one geared towards quick results. This style is generally found in a leader who is focused on performance and quick turnarounds. While it is advantageous for employees who are fast-paced and goal-orientated, it does not always allow for feedback and mentorship because of the velocity in the work-environment.
7. Transformational
The transformational leader is one who has the intention of making a difference in individual employees and the working systems in a company. A transformational leader aims to see a positive shift in the team; promoting encouragement and healthy motivation. This style of leadership also aims to build up new leaders to take over operations.
8. Transactional
Similar to the pace-setting leader, a transactional leader has a focus on performance, relying on incentives to drive work-flow and efficiency. Results are important and a fundamental component in transactional leadership, but mentorship and guidance are also important factors.
9. Bureaucratic
The bureaucratic leadership style, as the name might imply, is well suited to institutions and highly procedural industries, such as working in governmental positions. This leadership has a focus on hierarchy where employees and team members have fixed duties and responsibilities to tend to, but there is little creativity involved.
10. Visionary
The leader who can cast a vision promoting change and inspiration is a visionary one. This leadership style relies on confidence and passion. A visionary leader in a company can motivate a team to see the potential for a company which sparks the desire to work hard to achieve it.
Which leadership style is the best?
Each leadership style has its benefits and drawbacks and is best suited to particular industries and scenarios. While one style might be perfect for one company, it might not work at all in another. Finding the leadership style which works best for a company might need to go through a process of trial and error, but will develop with time. Learning leadership styles does not need to be an impossible challenge, but requires patience and hard work.
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