Leadership Styles
- Shannon Scandozza
- May 16, 2023
- 3 min read
What type of Leader are you?
I've put together a quick guide to highlight the Top 6 and will expand on each in an upcoming series.
There are many types of leadership styles out there.
A leadership style is the method you choose to motivate, inspire, and lead others towards success. (This can be a combination of styles or a single style.)
1. Transformational Leadership
This type of leadership emphasizes change and transformation.
Pro: Highly effective for companies looking to make changes in their organizational structure.
Con: Can be problematic for organizations looking for quick results.
a. Key characteristics:
i. Uses inspiration to guide and motivate others by developing potential.
ii. Uses strategy to determine future needs and align with organizational goals.
iii. Uses adaptability to flow with ever-changing needs.
iv. Uses development to help others reach their potential by focusing on individual strengths and abilities.
2. Delegative Leadership
This type of leadership is often referred to as “laissez-faire”, meaning “let it take its course” and hands responsibility over to others without interfering.
Pro: It allows employees to have autonomy and creative control without micromanaging them.
Con: Can be problematic if employees are not committed and can reduce accountability.
a. Key characteristics:
i. Uses delegation to motivate others through a hands-off approach.
ii. Uses dependability on others to satisfy the needs of the organization.
iii. Uses encouragement to support others creativity, ideas, and innovation, resulting in job satisfaction and employee feeling valued.
3. Authoritative Leadership (NOT to be confused with Authoritarian)
This type of leadership uses a visionary and inspirational approach.
Pro: Leaders depend on emotional intelligence and empower others.
Con: Can oftentimes come across as micro-managing or intrusive.
a. Key characteristics:
i. Uses inspiration to motivate others through a hands-on approach.
ii. Uses vision to provide direction, guidance, and feedback along the way.
iii. Uses strategy to overcome challenges and reach organizational goals.
4. Transactional Leadership (The WORST style aside from Authoritarian)
This type of leadership uses punishment and rewards to motivate others.
Pro: Rewards are given to those that meet deadlines, complete projects, or tasks, or achieve a goal.
Con: Punishment is given to those that fail to meet deadlines, do not complete projects or tasks, or do not achieve a goal. High employee turnover, lacks innovation, and is resistant to change.
a. Key characteristics:
i. Uses a merit system based on behavior and outcomes to externally reward or punish others.
ii. Uses a results-based approach to reach milestones, benchmarks, and attain goals.
iii. Uses structure and systematic methodology.
5. Participative Leadership
This type of leadership involves others in the decision-making process.
Pro: Employees feel heard and included. Leads to collaboration and accountability. Builds trust within the organization.
Con: Remote or virtual work can make it difficult to participate and feel included.
a. Key characteristics:
i. Uses inclusion to utilize good communication skills and share responsibility.
ii. Uses open and candid communication to build trust with employees and foster relationships.
iii. Uses empowerment by encouraging others to share ideas, innovations, and demonstrate their strengths to the team.
6. Servant Leadership
This type of leadership puts the needs of others ahead of their own.
Pro: Creates strong relationships, develops potential in employees, and sets a good example for others.
Con: Key focus on employees’ needs can oftentimes overshadow the needs of the organization.
a. Key characteristics:
i. Uses ethics as a base for decision making, problem solving, and empowering others.
ii. Uses compassion to improve communication, take others’ opinions into account, and resolve conflicts.
iii. Uses loyalty to build and foster relationships, encourage others, and provide a peaceful environment.
