Working in a team can be challenging, especially if your team members have different leadership styles. How do you manage the diverse preferences, expectations, and behaviors of your colleagues without compromising your own goals and values? Here are some tips to help you adapt and collaborate effectively with different types of leaders.
The first step is to identify the leadership styles of your team members. There are many frameworks and models to categorize leadership styles, but one of the most common ones is the situational leadership theory. According to this theory, there are four main leadership styles: directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Each style corresponds to a different level of task and relationship orientation, and can be appropriate for different situations and followers. By recognizing the leadership style of your team members, you can understand their strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and communication preferences.
First thing first, understand your members before taking any action. There is no common formula for all practices. Thus, it is best to define your own situation and resolution. There are two ways to do this: (You can do both) 1. Self-assessment MBTI (a.k.a. 16personalities) is a great tool to start getting to know someone. Your team just needs to take the test online (for 15 minutes). And everybody can talk to each other so much better. 2. Group talk A big chance to discuss. For introverts, it is unnatural for them to join a group talk like this. That's why it is the leaders' job to create suitable activities for everyone. --- Remember: Be open. Everybody is different. It takes empathy to understand people.
Embrace all leadership styles, we are all different and have our own reasoning of how to achieve a task or a goal. However, get to know your fellow leaders outside of the workplace - family, hobbies and interests. Another key aspect is 'Team Building' with your leadership team outside of the workplace, get to know them better as a human being rather than just a work colleague.
Celebrate that every leader at every level - beginner to experienced - brings a unique set of skills to the proverbial ‘table’ that you get to choose from. Some may require more seasoning, others a little less, some will leave a lasting impression while others may not be to your taste initially. Know that the journey of leadership is to guide and empower leaders to achieve a wider vision. Spend time sharing thoughts and problem solving in groups and observe the qualities of natural leadership appear. Acknowledge those qualities and begin to engage them in further discussion with or without you in the room. Set them a challenge/ project and guide the process to ensure the success aligns with set goals or vision. Believe in your leaders!
The second step is to adjust your communication style to match the leadership style of your team members. For example, if you are working with a directing leader, who is task-oriented and authoritative, you should be clear, concise, and respectful in your communication. You should also follow their instructions and expectations, and report your progress and results regularly. On the other hand, if you are working with a coaching leader, who is task-oriented and supportive, you should be open, honest, and willing to learn in your communication. You should also seek their feedback and guidance, and show your initiative and creativity.
The third step is to leverage your strengths and contribute to the team's success. Regardless of the leadership style of your team members, you have something valuable to offer to the team. You can use your skills, knowledge, experience, and personality to complement and enhance the team's performance. For example, if you are working with a supporting leader, who is relationship-oriented and collaborative, you can use your interpersonal and emotional skills to build rapport and trust with your team members. You can also share your ideas and opinions, and participate in decision-making and problem-solving.
Just like its not uncommon for your leadership team to have varying leadership styles its also not uncommon for team members to prefer different management styles. Having different styles can allow you to better collaborate when managing others, especially when an employee is not responding to one style.
The fourth step is to respect the differences and appreciate the diversity of your team. Having different leadership styles does not mean that your team members are wrong or incompatible. It means that they have different perspectives and approaches to work, which can enrich the team's creativity and innovation. Instead of judging or criticizing your team members for their leadership style, you should try to understand and empathize with them. You should also acknowledge and celebrate their achievements and contributions, and give them constructive feedback and support.
Leadership styles are bound to be different. It is a very normal thing. The best way to handle different leadership styles is to acknowledge them, not run away from them. After that it is a matter of learning from different leadership styles within the team, giving them regular feedback, and bridging the communication.
The fifth step is to seek common ground and align your goals and values with your team. Having different leadership styles does not mean that your team members are working against you or each other. It means that they have different ways of achieving the same vision and mission. To foster a positive and productive team culture, you should communicate and collaborate with your team members regularly. You should also clarify and agree on the team's goals, roles, responsibilities, and norms. You should also resolve any conflicts or misunderstandings that may arise due to the different leadership styles.
The sixth step is to learn and grow from the experience of working with different leadership styles. Working in a diverse team can be a great opportunity to develop your own leadership skills and potential. You can learn from the best practices and mistakes of your team members, and adopt or adapt the leadership style that suits you and the situation. You can also reflect on your own leadership style, and identify your areas of improvement and development. You can also seek feedback and mentoring from your team members, and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
See the differences in leadership styles as chances to learn. Every style brings something useful to the table, helping you become a better leader. Stay open to new ideas and be ready to change and improve as you work with different leadership styles in your team.