The most popular classification includes four leadership styles. Each style has its features and unique strengths, and is helpful in specific company types and business situations. Let's have a closer look at all of them.
Autocratic leadership style
Authoritarian leaders make decisions single-handedly, without the input of others. As a rule, such a leader assigns tasks to employees and sets strict rules and procedures for completing them. An autocratic leader has a "big picture" vision and requires the rest of the team to complete tasks upon request.
Authoritarian leaders always separate themselves from the team. They are usually not hostile, but require discipline and compliance with the rules set. It can be useful in industries with strict regulations, such as finance or healthcare, or in mass production, where a large amount of work needs to be done.
People leading in autocratic style concentrate all the power in their hands and can complete large projects on tight deadlines. They are also invaluable when a business needs decisive action or strict control and direction. Coworkers might see such leaders as suppressive and too controlling, which limits creativity and freedom of expression.
Collegial or democratic leadership style
Democratic leaders consider the opinions of subordinates and involve them in decision-making. Even though they may have a final say, they welcome the input of other team members and encourage teamwork. Collegial leaders are involved in the work of their team and participate in group discussions. They foster employee development, as subordinates contribute their fresh ideas and take on new duties.
Such leadership is great for companies where people and their intellectual capabilities are the main asset. The top strength of such leaders is their ability to support and guide others to achieve the ultimate goal.
Democratic leadership contributes to the quality of work, supports creativity, and helps people feel valued and involved. People understand the "big picture" and actively contribute to achieving the end results.
On the other hand, this style might not be effective if the company expects peak productivity, as it assumes work at a comfortable pace. Plus, decision-making can become slow if you discuss everything with subordinates.
Laissez-faire leadership style
A liberal or laissez-faire leader empowers the team to make decisions and organize processes with minimal direction. He gives freedom of action to team members, creates favorable conditions to complete tasks and outlines what exactly should be done. Such a leader assumes that specialists will find the best solution independently, and delegates all rights and responsibility to them.
A laissez-faire leadership style is suitable when all team members are highly skilled experts. Plus, everyone on the team must be motivated to achieve results for the organization and have strong self-management skills. Otherwise, the team might not cope with the tasks and projects assigned.
This leadership style is best for experts who value independence and creative freedom. If the team shares the leader's goal, they will be motivated and driven to achieve it. The downside is that the teams can have productivity issues and the roles of team members might blur. If your subordinates have poor skills or low motivation, the situation might become chaotic, and team members can start blaming each other for not achieving results.
Visionary or transformational leadership style
Transformational leadership style is based on inspiring and motivating subordinates to achieve better results. A leader has a compelling future vision, and communicates it with enthusiasm and dedication. Visionary leaders don't micromanage - instead, they develop strategies that help achieve better efficiency. They give the room for professional growth and development of employees, and usually have the authority.
Such a leadership style is effective when the organization needs to formulate a new vision and align it with long-term goals. It has some elements of servant leadership, as the leader takes care of the well-being of subordinates and helps use their unique skills. Transformational leaders coach and encourage team members, giving them the freedom of action.
The downside is, such a leader might overlook minor issues which can slow down the implementation of a new concept. Plus, as the leader is involved in daily tasks and monitors everything, it may cause employee burnout. All employees must respect the leader and accept his vision, otherwise, problems will arise.
What is situational leadership style?
Situational leaders use elements of more than one leadership style, choosing which one to use based on the situation. As a leader, you can use democratic style, but switch to an authoritarian if there's an urgent and important project. People in leadership roles pick a leadership style based on the situation and employee competencies.
Some experts believe that this situational leadership is more effective than other styles, as it considers the context and the best leadership strategies from each style. One way or another, using elements of different style is important for a good leader, as it shows your flexibility.
How do you develop your leadership skills?
Our online quiz can reveal your leadership style and help you understand the status quo. Yet, if you want to grow as a leader, you'll need discipline and strategic approach. Here's how to boost your leadership skills:
Combine different leadership styles
To become a better leader, use practices and strategies you haven't used before. Say, if you have the autocratic leadership style, it helps to be open to suggestions of your subordinate and letting them be creative if the situation requires it. Such flexibility will improve dynamics in your team and help you grow professionally.
Stay disciplined
Good leaders are disciplined, as it helps to keep your hand on the pulse, assign the right task to a right person, and set an example. Try to meet deadlines, fulfill your commitments, and stay true to your words. Don't show up late for work or important meetings, as it can undermine discipline in a team.
Take on extra tasks
To enhance your leadership skills, you'll need to go outside your comfort zone. If you're not a manager yet, offer replacing your manager while they're away or taking a leadership role in a short-term project. Offer your help to managers to learn something new. As you take the lead in small projects, you'll get comfortable to lead others on a regular basis.
Learn to own the situation
The best leaders can see the big picture and anticipate problems. This is especially important when you work on projects with tight deadline. Think about what issues might arise and how you can respond to them. Seeing the big picture will also help you spot opportunities that others don't see and take advantage of them.
Consider additional training
One way to build your leadership skills is to take corporate training or attend leadership courses. You might attend leadership training in person or online, or focus on leadership areas that are especially challenging for you (for example, conflict resolution or change management). Thus, you will feel more confident and prepare for unexpected situations.
Master active listening
Whether you have a laissez faire leadership style or are a democratic leader, listening to others can go a long way. Great leaders always listen to others attentively, make their subordinates feel heard, and are open to discussing a shared vision. You shouldn't feel threatened if someone disagrees with you or questions your ideas. Learn to be objective and unbiased while listening to others. Thus, you will build a culture of mutual respect.
Learn to delegate
You cannot be in control of everything - and if you try, you'll soon burn out as the line between work and life will blur. Delegating tasks will free up your time for strategic initiatives. Plus, it will increase the self-worth of your subordinates as you'll let them show their expertise and work on tasks independently.
Leadership style and direct reports
Understanding your leadership style can ease workplace tension and create a more positive work environment. As you're aware of your style, you can communicate it to others and share your expectations with subordinates. Thus, they'll know what you want from them. It will make the workplace environment more transparent and build trust, making you an effective leader.
Find out what type of leader you are
Taking this leadership style quiz will help you understand your own strengths as a manager and use them to your advantage. Plus, you can better communicate your decisions to the team and improve team dynamics.
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