By: Brittany Teepe
Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, but more like being the captain of a boat – charting the course, navigating challenges, and making sure everyone’s on board. The trick? Every captain has their own style, and what works for one might sink the ship for another. Recognizing your personal leadership style and how it fits with your organization’s dynamic is crucial to help you steer in the right direction.
Gold stars to everyone who can remember the different leadership styles from that one high school “Life Readiness” course. For the rest of us, here is a refresher and breakdown of the 6 different leadership styles.
- Authoritative Leadership
This style is all about vision and direction. Authoritative leaders inspire by setting a clear path and rallying their teams to follow it. They’re often confident, decisive, and goal-oriented.
Characteristics:
- A clear and compelling vision.
- Encourages commitment to long-term goals.
- Focuses on the “big picture.”
Best for: Times of change or when a team needs strong guidance.
- Democratic Leadership
Democratic leaders thrive on collaboration. They value input from their team and make decisions based on group consensus. This style fosters creativity and engagement.
Characteristics:
- Encourages open communication and feedback.
- Welcomes diverse perspectives.
- Builds a strong sense of team ownership.
Best for: Teams that value inclusivity and innovation.
- Coaching Leadership
Coaching leaders prioritize growth. They focus on developing their team members’ individual skills and strengths, helping them achieve both personal and professional goals.
Characteristics:
- Invests in team development.
- Offers constructive feedback.
- Builds trust through mentorship.
Best for: Teams with high potential or those in need of individual support.
- Laissez-Faire Leadership
This hands-off approach works well with highly skilled and motivated teams. Laissez-faire leaders trust their team to make decisions and only step in when necessary.
Characteristics:
- Minimal supervision.
- High level of trust and autonomy.
- Empowers team members to take initiative.
Best for: Experienced and self-sufficient teams.
- Transactional Leadership
Transactional leaders focus on structure and clear expectations. They reward success and address issues with discipline or corrective actions.
Characteristics:
- Clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
- Rewards tied to performance metrics.
- Emphasis on efficiency and outcomes.
Best for: Tasks requiring precision, deadlines, or compliance.
- Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders aim to inspire and energize their teams. They focus on creating a shared vision and motivating team members to exceed expectations.
Characteristics:
- Inspires enthusiasm and motivation.
- Fosters innovation and change.
- Leads by example.
Best for: Organizations undergoing significant growth or change.
Now that we are on the same page, did any of the above categories stick out to you while reflecting on your day-to-day actions? For some leaders, you could be a combination of two or even use different styles based on what project you are working on. This is totally normal! Finding your leadership style is about self-awareness and observation, as well as experimenting with what feels the most natural.
We recommend:
- Reflect on Your Values and Goals
What matters most to you as a leader? Are you driven by results, collaboration, or personal development? Understanding your priorities can reveal your natural tendencies. - Ask for Feedback
Talk to your team, colleagues, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights into how you lead and how your style impacts others. - Take Leadership Assessments
Tools like the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) or the DiSC assessment can help you identify your strengths and preferences. There is an array of assessments available (most of the time for free!) available online – take some time to find which one zeroes in on the exact items you want. - Try different approaches in various situations
Pay attention to what feels authentic to you and what gets the best results from your team.
The beauty of understanding your style is that it helps you play to your strengths while learning to flex when needed. Whether you’re a visionary, a collaborator, a coach, or a mix of everything, leadership is about connection and growth – for both you and your team. Take a moment to reflect, embrace your unique approach, and lead with purpose. After all, the best leaders don’t just manage – they inspire.
If you want to learn more about how we can add value to your workplace culture and discover additional leadership tips, email Brittany Teepe at bteepe@cciindy.com, or check out our website at cleindy.com.