Identifying your personal leadership style is a really great way to boost your Intellectual and Occupational Wellness, which are both core elements within our 8Wise™️ model. We can’t experience overall wellbeing if we neglect these two elements, so it’s really important that we nurture and boost them where we can. Learning how to become a good leader will challenge you intellectually, and it will also open up more doors within your career, making it more enjoyable and fulfilling.
We’re all different, and understanding your own leadership style means that you can work in the way that is best suited to your personality, which is always a good thing! Awareness of the different styles is also a great way to identify which style is appropriate for different situations. So what are the different leadership styles?
Well, there are seven main ones which we will be outlining today:
- Autocratic
This type of leadership style is where you call the shots. If you have the most experience or knowledge about a topic, this is a useful leadership style – perhaps in a situation where you’re working with new or inexperienced team members and a decision needs to be made quickly.
- Authoritative
These leaders tend to be confident and take the time to explain their thinking and reasoning. They lead the way, engage and energise people.
- Pacesetting
This type of style tends to be adopted by energetic people who are very driven and push their team to achieve results. Whilst it’s great at getting results, it can also lead to burnout which is why it shouldn’t be used long-term.
- Democratic
This leadership style involves asking other’s opinions before making a final decision. It promotes trust, cooperation and boosts morale. It allows people to grow and develop as well as getting the job done.
- Coaching
Those with this style see people as a reservoir of potential and talent to be developed. They give others the support and direction to allow them to achieve their full potential.
- Affiliative
This type of leader is very in tune with the emotional needs to team members. They value harmony and collaborative relationships. This is a great leadership style for healing conflicts amongst people or during stressful times.
- Laissez-Faire
A very hands off approach that is best used when working with those who are highly skilled, experienced and motivated people. Those with this style trust others to know what to do, although monitoring of performance and regular feedback sessions are also beneficial for this leadership style to be the most effective.
You may find that you work best by utilising a combination of different leadership styles, which is absolutely fine. In fact, being able to switch up styles depending on the scenario and team is beneficial.