How do you change your leadership style for different people?

1 Why change your leadership style?

Changing your leadership style can help you improve your communication, motivation, and influence with your followers. It can also help you foster a positive and productive work environment, where people feel valued, respected, and engaged. By adjusting your style to match the personality, skills, and expectations of your followers, you can enhance their performance, satisfaction, and loyalty.

2 What are the different leadership styles?

The situational leadership model developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard is a useful framework for categorizing leadership styles. It suggests four main styles, based on the level of direction and support that the leader provides to the followers. The directing style is suitable for inexperienced, unskilled, or uncertain followers, as it involves clear instructions and close supervision. The coaching style works best for followers who are willing to learn but need some guidance; it involves providing guidance and feedback, while also encouraging participation and creativity. The supporting style is appropriate for competent and confident followers who need motivation and involvement; the leader provides encouragement and recognition while also delegating responsibility and authority. Finally, the delegating style is suitable for highly skilled, experienced, and self-motivated followers; the leader provides minimal direction and support, trusting them to complete their tasks independently.

3 How do you assess your followers' needs?

In order to adjust your leadership style effectively, you need to assess the needs and preferences of your followers. This can be done by observing their behavior, asking them questions, and listening to their feedback. Factors that should be taken into account include their competence, confidence, commitment, communication style, and how they collaborate with others and handle conflict. It is important to understand these elements in order to provide the best possible leadership.

4 How do you change your leadership style accordingly?

Once you have assessed your followers' needs, you can adjust the amount and type of direction and support that you provide to them. For instance, if your followers are inexperienced or uncertain, you might opt for a directing style, with clear instructions, monitoring of progress, and correction of mistakes. If they are willing to learn but still need some direction and support, a coaching style may be more appropriate, with guidance through tasks, feedback, and encouragement to share their ideas and opinions. If they are competent and confident but need motivation and involvement, a supporting style may be best, with praise for achievements, delegation of authority, and consultation on important decisions. For highly skilled, experienced, and self-motivated followers, a delegating style may be most effective - allowing them to work independently with minimal supervision and empowering them to make their own choices.

5 How do you evaluate and improve your leadership style?

Changing your leadership style is an ongoing process of learning and improvement. You should regularly evaluate and improve your leadership style by seeking feedback from followers, peers, and superiors, reflecting on your own actions and decisions, setting goals for improving your skills, and seeking opportunities for learning and development. Adapting your style to the needs of your followers can help you become a more effective and versatile leader, improving communication, motivation, and influence. Ultimately, this can create a positive and productive work environment.

6 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?