You want to become a better leader. What are the most effective ways to develop your leadership style?

First and foremost, you must admit that you need this improvement. If, for example, you received feedback at your job that you need to improve your leadership skills, but you don't think you should, it will not work. Hence, be open-minded, be ready to receive criticism, and be honest with yourself. Learning traditionally will hardly help. Books, courses, and seminars provide some tools but not the skill itself. To be a better leader, you should listen to other people, help them, show a good example, analyze, be patient, and have the courage to make mistakes, admit them, but keep going. Look for some role models, but work on your unique leadership style. Only real experience will help you to achieve the goal.

Knowing your strengths, weaknesses and leadership style is the first step to becoming a better leader BUT... it's bloody hard to develop self-awareness yourself. Instead, using science-backed diagnostics can help you: ???? Identify your emotions, thoughts, behaviours and strengths ????Improve your well-being and mental health ???? Better accept and advocate for yourself ???? Develop a practical roadmap to improve your leadership abilities ???? Make positive changes Some of my favourite diagnostics for developing self awareness include the LSI, MSCEIT, 4MAT and StrengthsFinder. Shoot me a DM if you'd like to learn more ??

Developing ones leadership style is just one among many development areas for aspiring and current leaders. For me leadership style is fundamentally about being able to flex as a leader - to meet the needs of different contexts and needs of supervisees. Look around, draw inspiration from peers or past managers who were different from you but who, nevertheless, were able to build those teams that attract talent, that are safe and super productive. There never is only one leadership style that works, there are always many ways to achieve your goal. But a key message from my time in leadership development is that the onerous is on you, as the person in a position of authority, you are the one who need to move between styles.

To become a better leader, self-awareness is key. Identify your unique strengths and areas for growth. Embrace diverse learning sources: books, mentors, and real-world experiences. Adaptability is crucial; tailor your approach to different situations and teams. Practice active listening and empathetic communication to build trust and respect. Finally, seek feedback and be open to change. This continuous cycle of learning, adapting, and growing shapes a dynamic leadership style.

In developing your leadership style I've seen the use of the Johari window working effectively. It allows for self reflection, awareness and acceptance. With these three in check, you'll recognise identified gaps in your leadership style and seek ways to improve on them.

Embracing a wide range of learning sources will help you to refine your leadership style. When you explore different books, articles, podcasts, and videos, along with learning directly from other leaders, mentors, and peers it broadens your perspective and makes it easier to think more creatively. More importantly, it equips you with a wider range of knowledge to draw from, fostering an innovative mindset. Making connections between different areas not only will strengthen your leadership approach but it will also position you as a more adaptable and future-thinking leader.

Diversifying my learning sources has helped shape my leadership approach. From connecting with thinking leaders on LinkedIn to studying case studies, each encounter has enlarged my horizons. Podcasts and mentorship sessions have been very helpful, providing subtle insights into decision-making and team dynamics. Implementing these lessons in real-world circumstances, such as marketing campaigns, has not only improved my approach but also encouraged an innovative culture among my team members. This combination of theory and practice is essential for any leader seeking to remain adaptive and impactful.

I have found these four point useful. Read Widely: Read books, articles, and research on leadership theories, practices, and success stories. Focus on materials that challenge your existing notions and expand your perspective. Mentorship: Seek out a mentor who embodies the leadership qualities you aspire to. This could be someone within your organization or in your wider professional network. Role Models: Study the careers and leadership styles of leaders you admire, even those outside of your industry. Note what makes them effective and how they handle challenges. Educational Opportunities: Consider enrolling in leadership development programs, workshops, or courses offered by universities or professional organizations.

Effective leadership is a dynamic and evolving skill, and there's much to be gained from learning from diverse sources. Engage with a variety of materials such as books, articles, podcasts, and TED talks that explore different aspects of leadership theory, practice, and case studies. Seek out mentors or coaches who can offer guidance and share their experiences. Additionally, look beyond traditional leadership paradigms and draw inspiration from other disciplines such as psychology, sociology, or even art and literature. Embracing a broad spectrum of influences will enrich your understanding of leadership and equip you with a versatile toolkit to navigate complex challenges.

It's important not just to learn from others, but also to assess the feedback you receive from your direct reports and subordinates. Utilize tools like 360 assessments and engagement surveys for insights. During performance reviews, seek feedback not only from familiar faces but also from others you engage with. Consult your HR team for access to this information. Being an effective leader entails emotional intelligence, recognizing areas for improvement, and utilizing available resources to enhance your skills.

It’s useful to be aware of recent research that suggests that none of the prominent and popular leadership styles actually make a jot of difference to performance in practice. What matters is adaptability to context, which requires awareness of different decisions-making frames, the capacity to energise and connect people within the appropriate frame, and the capacity to effectively use rather than dysfunctionally abuse your positional power. Any model of leadership that pushes a singular style as being the solution should be treated with great caution.

It’s useful to be aware of recent research that suggests that none of the prominent and popular leadership styles actually make a jot of difference to performance in practice. What matters is adaptability to context, which requires awareness of different decisions-making frames, the capacity to energise and connect people within the appropriate frame, and the capacity to effectively use rather than dysfunctionally abuse your positional power. Any model of leadership that pushes a singular style as being the solution should be treated with great caution.

Be you! Trust your instincts, ensure you recognise that it’s your emotional intelligence that will always help you evolve as a leader. Listening to and understanding your team and their contexts are vital. Remember that management is largely about ensuring compliance, leadership is about empowerment. As a leader don’t feel under pressure to prove yourself, use your energy to improve others. Great leaders should be trying to do themselves out of a job because their teams feel they don’t need you to solve their problems or find their solutions for them. They know you are there to support and guide them, to be the custodian of the vision and values of your organisation.

Leadership is the cornerstone of success. It's a responsibility that comes with a great deal of power and influence - and it should be taken seriously. To make a real difference, be authentic, passionate and brave. Above all else, work to create an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, trust and respect throughout your team. Remember that one individual can achieve great things, but together we can achieve greatness - and make a powerful impact on the world. Leadership isn't just about having an idea or a plan. It's about strengthening connections among people so that together we can move forward to reach our highest potential. Lead with purpose, honesty and integrity - create something amazing!

Adaptability is one of the most critical skills for leaders today and moving forward. If you want to develop your leadership style, you have to master the art of flexibility, adjusting your approach based on the context, goals, team dynamics, and environment. Try experimenting with various leadership models—autocratic to democratic, transformational to servant—and tailor your communication style from assertive to passive as necessary. This ability to adapt will not only increase your leadership effectiveness but also set you apart as someone capable of navigating the complexities of an ever-evolving landscape.

Leadership flourishes with practice. My mantra? Engage, experiment, evaluate. - Engage in roles that stretch your limits. - Experiment with leadership methods. Each team, each project calls for a unique approach. - Evaluate by seeking honest feedback. This feedback loop is crucial for growth. My journey from the background to the forefront taught me that leadership is an evolving skill. It’s not about perfecting a style but adapting and growing through continuous practice.

As with most everything in life, practice makes perfect. Be a leader at every chance you get. Maybe you don't manage others, but perhaps you coach your kids' sports teams? Or volunteer at a charity? Or simply play a weekly pickleball game with close friends. Be the one who always steps up and exudes the skills of leader - whether it simply be through reserving that pickleball court, or whether it be making your young players do at least one good deed a week - otherwise they run laps of shame (an idea I instituted this year with my basketball team with interesting results (surprised how many "old ladies got help crossing the street haha) Bottom line, act like a leader in everything you do and you will quickly (and effortlessly) become one!

Continuous growth and development are essential to becoming a better leader. Key ways to enhance leadership include mastering the skill of delegation. Understand your team members' strengths and weaknesses, assign tasks accordingly, empower the team, and focus on strategic leadership.

Like any skill, leadership requires practice and refinement over time. Take every opportunity to apply and develop your leadership skills in real-world settings. Volunteer for leadership roles or projects within your organization, where you can gain hands-on experience and test out different strategies. Actively seek feedback from your team members and peers, and reflect on your experiences to identify areas for improvement. Consider joining leadership development programs, workshops, or professional associations where you can further hone your abilities and learn from others. Remember that leadership is a journey of continuous growth.

A great way to practice new skills, especially communication, is to role-play with professionals - i.e. actors. Create scenarios that you want to practice on and be real - I have run courses in thisstyle and some of the best results were achieved for the attendee both practicing and observing When a male or female turns on the tears and has a temper tantrum a leader needs to deal with it and still achieve an agreed result - it is an art to be learnt for sure

Leadership is an art, honed by reflection and action. I've grown by: - Asking, "How have my decisions impacted my team?" - Actively seeking diverse perspectives to challenge my views. - Adjusting my approach based on lessons learned, not just outcomes. This isn't mere self-improvement; it's about being agile, responsive to change, and deeply connected with those you lead. Embrace the journey of self-reflection to truly flourish as a leader.

Regularly take time to reflect on your leadership experiences. Analyze successful and unsuccessful situations, identify your personal leadership values, and understand the impact you have on others. Consider journaling or participating in guided reflection exercises to deepen your self-awareness. By continuously learning and reflecting, you can gain valuable knowledge, identify blind spots, and refine your leadership approach over time.

Leadership, like any skill done right, is iterative—constantly evolving as you learn, grow, and navigate your journey. The key to developing your leadership style lies in the relentless cycle of review and refinement. It’s important to regularly assess your impact and effectiveness, incorporating feedback and measuring outcomes to pinpoint what's working and what isn't. Update your objectives, tweak your approaches, and pursue fresh learning avenues. This process of continual self-evaluation and adaptation ensures you're always taking the most appropriate actions for your current stage of leadership, keeping you aligned with both your personal growth and the evolving needs of your team.

Becoming a better leader involves a continuous cycle of self-reflection, self-awareness, and growth. Review and refine. It's about asking who you want to be and who you want to help others become. Embrace being a student of growth; study the leaders around you, read, watch videos, and put yourself into challenging situations. By systematically evaluating your progress, soliciting feedback, and adapting your approach, you can refine your leadership style, ensuring it aligns with your aspirations and the needs of those you lead.

Taking stock of your core values, the principles that generally guide your decision making, and the way you communicate to get results are three elements that can help you define your leadership style. While there’s no one “right way” to lead, there is a sweet spot for you as an individual leader where your style is both effective, and authentic. And guess what, that style and sweet spot evolves as you move along your leadership journey — and that’s a good thing.

Authenticity and ethics aren't just ideals; they are the bedrock of genuine leadership. Here's how I embody these values: 1. Being true means embracing vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. 2. Integrity shapes decisions, ensuring they align with core values, not just outcomes. 3. Respecting others starts with understanding diverse perspectives, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued. Embrace these principles, and watch your leadership transform not only your career but also the lives around you.

Want to stand out as a leader? It's all about authenticity and a solid ethical compass. Stick to your core values and lead with unwavering integrity. That's the difference between not just advancing your own cause but elevating your entire team. Let them see more of the real you—share your goals, and your aspirations for yourself and them, and don't shy away from your emotions. Create a space rooted in respect. This isn't just good manners—it's your chance to earn genuine trust and build a reputation that commands respect. And the payoff? You become more than just a boss, you're a potentially life-changing influence in their professional lives, making a real, positive mark.

Be authentic in who you are. As a trans women I have been in situations where I felt I was heard or respected. I kept showing results and never backed out. My boss used to say, I don't care who you are but you need to show results. He now understands that "who you are matters in what you do".

This is the critical step. Studying other leaders is important, and if you see something you like in how another person leads, or how they deal with a particular situation, by all means file that away and look to emulate it, but you must do so with your fingerprints on it, not someone else's. People are sharp and efforts to be vulnerable and authentic that are not genuine, that are strategic in that someone is trying to get something--forgiveness, sympathy, recognition, favoritism--well, we can see right through those efforts. True vulnerability and authenticity are about being--more inclusive, less judgmental, willing to try and be a better leader. We all can understand and appreciate this in others. There's no faking vulnerability.

In my experience coaching leaders there is a common theme that appears on most occasions where they are replicating a leaders style that they worked for in the past thinking that was the path needed to be successful. When it comes to traits of great leaders, being able to develop your authentic style with traits such as vulnerability, humility, and courage will allow you to lead in a way that emotionally connects to the members of your team. Practice showing your vulnerability and share with your team members where you are spending time to develop as a leader asking for their support. Lead with your authentic self allowing others in so that they can provide feedback that fuels your growth moving forward.

Here's a MAP that you can use as your checklist to become a more effective leader - M-Mindset Check if your mindset is of problem / complain oriented or solution oriented. Because when you are looking for solutions, chances are you will be successful in overcoming problems. Seek inspiration from the mindset of great leaders you admire or whom you like to be. A-Align Check if your team members are aligned to the business goals. Because when the energies are synchronized it is easier and faster to achieve goals. P-Prioritize Check if you as a the leader, is leading by example, in getting the business priorities right. Because you are the role model for your team members who will follow suit. More power to you for being a better leader

3 key elements to start working on your leadership style: SELF-AWARENESS Start with self-reflection: what kind of leader do I want to be? What do I already do well and what would I like to work on? If you’re not sure, ask! “I’m working on…/ I want to improve… How am I doing?” You can also use behaviour or personality assessments to understand your leadership style, e.g. 16 Personalities, DISC, StrengthsFinder KNOWLEDGE Learn! Read, listen, find a mentor… make sure you take time every day to get some inspiration on the best leadership practices. PRACTICE James Clear says: “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become”. What will you do today to make sure you get closer to your vision of great leadership?

To excel, we must embrace the multidimensional nature of leadership. Drawing from Integral theory start by addressing the 4 quadrants: Build robust ITS frameworks to thrive within your context. Do IT tactics & strategies for short & long-term success. Cultivate deep relationships in the We, crucial for collaborative success. Then, enhance your I by refining your thinking, energy, emotions & purpose. Increase your level of sophistication in each quadrant. Vertical development is the ongoing growth & evolution of an individual's mindset, capabilities, & perspectives over time, leading to deeper levels of understanding & effectiveness in all areas of life. How can you balance these dimensions to develop your leadership style?

There are many things that one can use to become a better leader. But, in my experience, the most important factor is a genuine love for people. There are hundreds of other aspects to leadership. But they all rest on the basis of actually caring about the people we lead. When we seek the best interest of those we serve, the rest of leadership becomes more about technique and development of execution than anything else. Want to be a great leader? Be a great lover (professionally speaking)!

Here’s my simple 3 step MAP for helping leaders elevate their leadership style: - MASTERY: The journey begins with a commitment to excellence. Elevating personal and professional standards sets the foundation for leadership growth. Ask - do I want to be an average or Ace Leader? - ACTION: Consistent, fearless action is fuels progress and embodies the spirit of true champions. Leaders who dare to act, even in the face of potential failure, often achieve remarkable outcomes. Ask- will I be an Actor or Observer? - PRINCIPLES: Exceptional leaders apply timeless principles to navigate the complexities of leadership. There are no extraordinary people, only ordinary people who embody great principles. Ask- What are my core principles?