5 Powerful Leadership Styles in Times of Change

If you want to gain long-term success in volatile times…I’ve got one word for you, “Leadership.”

Shocking right?

The great thing is there isn't just one way to be a powerful leader. You can mobilize five leadership styles that take your company or team to the next level .

I gotta say, Eleven Recruiting didn't become one of the best places to work in LA by accident. We consciously check-in on with our team's diverse perspectives and leadership gaps.

When you only have one way of thinking, a business gets stagnant…stuck .

It needs different insights to reach its full potential.

By learning what leadership style you are, what approaches are missing, you can balance out your team for long-term success.

Here's the breakdown...

What Leadership Style Are You? (Hint: You Can Be More Than One).

Finding out which categories fit you best is honestly a great place to start.

You can be more than one leadership style (most people are), and by identifying what you are, you can find out what your team’s missing to balance it out.

The Dominants - An Assertive Leadership Style

All you testosterone-heavy people out there…this is probably you. Dominants are about being - well…dominant. I’m talking, taking action, making fast decisions, and not taking no for an answer. It’s a powerful and effective way to keep the company on track and get it where it needs to go.

Dominants are crucial to a company because, without them, people can tend to…go off track. They might struggle to be decisive - slow things down, and miss opportunities.

You’re a Dominant if…

• You’re confident in making decisions. You know what’s right, and you choose it without hesitation. It doesn’t mean you’re impulsive without giving things thought…no. It’s no-take-backs. The mindset is - ‘I know this is the right call.’

• You call people out for not pulling their weight. You see someone slacking…you say it. After all, someone needs to, right? This quality is excellent at making everyone put their best foot forward.

• You make yourself heard. Dominant leaders don’t hang out in the background. They have opinions, they say them, and they’ve got a tough love attitude.

The Innovators - The Creative Leadership Style

If you’re someone who has too many ideas to keep up with, well…you’re probably an innovator. This leadership style thinks outside the box and takes the company to new places. They might get a little carried away with their ideas (and that’s okay), but they’re incredible at looking at things from a different perspective.

You need innovators to switch up ways of thinking. Remember what I said about businesses getting stagnant and stuck? Yeah, innovators don’t get that - because they’re always throwing new things at the wall and taking risks.

You’re an Innovator if…

• You have a ton of ideas about…everything. Whether it’s how to improve team morale or a new piece of technology…you’ve got it.

• You can be impulsive. Getting swept away with exciting opportunities is the sign of an innovator. Everything you think is awesome, so you might as well do it all…right?

• You get a high from working on something new. You crave dopamine, so when you start working on a new project…that’s your happy place.

The Integrators - A Harmonious Leadership Style

Dominants and innovators can clash. One wants to make simple, quick decisions, and the other wants to explore endless possibilities - that’s where the integrator comes in.

Integrators help people cooperate. They care how others feel and want everyone to work collaboratively - which is crucial if you’re after a smooth-running team.

But don’t mistake them for people who can be walked all over…nope. They have their opinions - but they say them by figuring out how best to support the team.

You’re an Integrator if…

• You look for ways to help different people reach a common goal. You understand everyone’s different and your natural way of thinking is to get everyone on the same page.

• You offer your support. You’re someone who reaches out to others and suggests solutions if they’re stuck in a rut.

• You’re a problem solver. You like to take a moment…and think things through. What isn’t working? Why?

The Protectors - The Leadership Style That Creates Stability

Protectors are people who have rules and boundaries. They offer a sense of security and order in the workplace. Sometimes people get wrapped up in their work (been there), and everything starts to feel disjointed. A protector asks, ‘Look, what are we working on? How is everything coming along?’ They’re all about guiding the process, not just focusing on the end goal.

You’re a Protector if…

• You’re good at holding meetings. You check in with each department and see where everyone’s at…that is - you ask how things are going and increase communication across the board.

• You find it uncomfortable when things aren’t right on schedule. You feel safe when things are contained and orderly. While that’s great…you gotta open up and let the other leadership styles balance out any strict rules.

• You take it one step at a time. Some leadership styles rush to the finish line, get overwhelmed, or distracted. You break things down into manageable actions and keep everyone focused.

The Experts - A Leadership Style That Uses Specific Skills and Knowledge

Need to know something? The expert’s got your back…and if they don’t - they know exactly how to find out. Experts specialize in the company’s niche. They give businesses another layer of professionalism and value.

You’re an Expert if…

• You love learning. Whatever it is (but especially if it’s about the company’s niche), you want to know.

• People come to ask your opinion. Is it a good idea or not? Does it line up with the company values? You’ll know because you’ve done the research.

• You’re passionate about the company. You love what they do, and that’s why you want to work with the business. Everything excites you, and you’re keen to see it succeed.

In Short,

Listen…if you want a business to work…you gotta have all leadership styles in the bag.?

Decipher what style suits you and identify missing gaps in the company. Move people around departments to balance them out or hire someone who adds that harmony. It’s the ultimate ingredient to long-term business success.

Just saying.

If you liked this article, you can read more of my newsletters here or catch up on our tech blog .