How do you adjust to leadership styles?

1 Identify the leadership style

The first step to adjust to a leadership style is to identify it. You can do this by observing how the leader communicates, makes decisions, delegates tasks, gives feedback, and handles conflicts. For example, a visionary leader will often share a clear and inspiring vision, encourage innovation, and empower others to take risks. An authoritarian leader will tend to impose strict rules, expect obedience, and micromanage every detail. A democratic leader will seek input from others, promote consensus, and distribute responsibility. A laissez-faire leader will give minimal guidance, allow autonomy, and intervene only when necessary.

2 Adjust your expectations

Once you have identified the leadership style, you need to adjust your expectations accordingly. You should understand what the leader expects from you and what you can expect from them. For example, if you work with a visionary leader, you should be prepared to embrace change, experiment with new ideas, and learn from failures. If you work with an authoritarian leader, you should be ready to follow instructions, meet deadlines, and report your progress. If you work with a democratic leader, you should be willing to share your opinions, listen to others, and compromise. If you work with a laissez-faire leader, you should be able to work independently, set your own goals, and solve your own problems.

3 Adjust your communication

Another step to adjust to a leadership style is to adjust your communication style. You should communicate in a way that matches the leader's preferences and needs. For example, if you work with a visionary leader, you should communicate with enthusiasm, creativity, and optimism. If you work with an authoritarian leader, you should communicate with clarity, accuracy, and respect. If you work with a democratic leader, you should communicate with openness, honesty, and cooperation. If you work with a laissez-faire leader, you should communicate with initiative, confidence, and accountability.

4 Adjust your behavior

The final step to adjust to a leadership style is to adjust your behavior. You should behave in a way that supports the leader's goals and values. For example, if you work with a visionary leader, you should behave as a team player, a problem solver, and a learner. If you work with an authoritarian leader, you should behave as a follower, a performer, and a loyalist. If you work with a democratic leader, you should behave as a partner, a contributor, and a mediator. If you work with a laissez-faire leader, you should behave as a self-starter, a achiever, and a leader.

Adjusting to different leadership styles can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. By following these tips, you can improve your relationship with your leader, enhance your professional skills, and achieve your career goals.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?