A Leader’s Types; The 5 Types of Leaders… The Pros & Concerns!

There are many types of everything; different types of animals, people, foods, and… Leaders! I’d like to share the 5 Types of Leaders; this is not to put leaders in a positive or negative category. Rather, an opportunity to celebrate ALL Leaders and a chance to examine the Pros & Concerns of your Type! It’s important to note, a great leader will be all Five Types given the person or situation that requires it from them. However, we all have one or two types that really resonate with who we are at our core.

We must first define what we’re discussing. A Leader is someone willing and capable of positively influencing people toward the mission of the team or organization. Is willing and capable of positively impacting others; leaving a lasting impression by words spoken, lessons taught, and actions taken. Is willing and capable of protecting others from themselves and their bad habits… and also protecting their people from their own bad habits and rough days. A Leader maintains high standards and expectations and effectively utilizes the individual superpower of those on their team to achieve success. Lastly, as a leader… you choose to show up daily with a smile, connecting, doing your best, and being your best! With that said, here are 5 Types of Leaders… Let’s dive in!

The Motivator

This type of leader is high-energy, vocal, uplifting, and exuberant! They focus on the positives, the superpowers of others, and vocally push the team and lead toward the desired definition of success. You may know them as the emotional leader of a team… their energy, grit, and eagerness cannot be denied!

The Pros

I’ve had the opportunity to work for “The Motivator” and it was a great experience… as you feel like you have your own personal cheerleader! You feel believed in, supported, protected, and inspired. The pros of The Motivator are they are encouraging and forward-moving. They also tend to care very much for their people professionally and personally.

The Concerns

The truth is, not everyone feels like being motivated! Some employees, teammates, and co-workers are low-energy individuals who have never played on a team and cannot or will not understand the rah-rah approach. Others may see The Motivator’s energy as fake, corny, and unnecessary.

It’s important for “The Motivator” to hire well or recruit well… intentionally onboarding people with a good energy level, positivity, and enthusiasm… as well as a skill-set and knowledge base that will impact the team's leadership and work/life harmony and the organization! When your style are a Motivator isn’t working… it may be best to utilize The Leader’s 7 we explored in Chapter 4. Knowing how to speak a different language, the desired language of your people never hurts!

When you work for “The Motivator” compliment them on their passion. I’m a motivator by nature and one of the best compliments I receive is, “You’re so passionate about what you do”. It inevitably brings a smile to my face… and smiles tend to open ears… Be Mindful!

The Example

This is the leader that quietly leads by example. They DO all of the right things, but in a much more quiet manner than The Motivator. If you were a fly on the wall… all you would see is this leader doing the “right things” in the “right way” all day long!

The Pros

“The Example” sets the bar for how to get things done! Progress is steady, they’re self-motivated, and self-starters.

The Concerns

Although “The Example” gets things done and does things the right way; this leader may lack the winning people skills to lead a team. This doesn’t mean they aren’t nice or care about people… they simply may struggle with effectively connecting with the different types of individuals on their team or throughout the organization. As “The Example” when you choose to know and understand what each of your people desires to get out of working at the job or on the team, being willing to connect, and somewhat speak the desired language of others to marry what you want with what they need… connection is created… and connection matters!

Remember, leadership is a two-way street. When you work for “The Example”, schedule time to ask questions and share ideas to get a better grasp on things. The Example tends to be more than willing to help, but due to having their head down and getting things done; they are not likely to step forward to initiate.

The Connector

This is the leader that actively connects with their people and their team. They know their people’s stories, their kids’ names, their lives professionally and personally. You may see this leader or employee floating through the office talking with everyone, engaging in chit-chat, having serious conversations, or emotionally helping their people through tough times.

It may appear this leader is not focused on their work or may be behind in their work because they are so social. However, because they are a leader… they are on top of their responsibilities and enhancing the quality of the team as well.

The Pros

“The Connector” exhibits powerful understanding, empathy, and care for those around them and especially those on their team. They tend to be eager, responsible, and possess powerful people skills. Plus, their people like and enjoy them!

The Concerns

Although “The Connector” possesses great people skills they may struggle to actually bring a team together; influencing progess as a team. It may seem odd they can be so engaging 1-on-1, but struggle to motivate the group. A new “Connector Leader” may often want to be one of the guys… instead of the leader.

This leads into concern number two; because “The Connector” may be too emotionally invested or enjoys being one of the team… it may be difficult for them to have those dreaded tough conversations with their employees. “The Connector” is not likely to change their personality… and that’s a good thing… however, being able and willing to use The World’s Best Preface Statement will be useful for their leadership. It sounds like, “It’s wonderful to have you on the team and I enjoy leading, guiding, and supporting. However, at some point, I may have to say something that’s hard for you to hear or have questions to ask… and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t. Is that going to be OK?”.

Whether the tough conversation comes two days from now or two years from now… when it’s time for “The Connector” to have the tough conversation, it will be easier and can sound like, “Remember the time I said I might have to say something that’s hard to hear or have questions to ask? Ready? Now, you hit them with it, discuss the issue, and work to develop a plan of action to best move forward. This process will allow “The Connector” to maintain their personality while being a leader of the team and organization.

When you work for “The Connector” ask them about their day, their weekend, their plans for the holiday, etc. Follow-Up to see how things are going for them and don’t forget to thank them from time to time for always maintaining interest in you.

The Visionary

This Leader is mostly bigger-picture, big ideas, and grand vision for the future of the organization! They stand on the mountain top, see farther, and think bigger. Many people may not see or understand their vision, but “Visionaries” propel companies forward by positively pushing the envelope and the skills of their people. Ask Blockbuster Video if they wish they’d listened to their Visionaries!

The Pros

“The Visionary” is focused on bigger ideas, is forward-thinking, and encourages those around them to think bigger. They make people and the things they’re working on better.

The Concerns

Because “The Visionary” is focused on bigger things they tend to dislike, be unorganized with, unfamiliar with, or lack understanding of the numerous little things it takes to make the big thing a reality. This leader may struggle with empathy related to the countless hours, demands, restarts, and burn-out of their people.

The vision will most likely be achieved, but at what cost! The saddest thing is when Inspired & Motivated employees burn-out and quit… or burn-out and stay. Be mindful to observe and care for your people and team as they bring your BIG Ideas to life!

When you work for “The Visionary” it tends to be best to start with the Big Idea, have a solution ready for how you plan to make it happen, and be prepared to answer questions as asked.

The Intense

This leader is gruff, blunt, and abrupt in their approach. They are not interested in making friends, connecting, motivating, or setting an example. “The Intense is focused on the task and getting it done right, on time, and within the numbers projected. It may seem this leader is no fun however, they get results. “The Intense” is not mean to others; rather a bit serious. When they enter the room, you may see people straighten up, decide to look busy, and get more done than they would if “The Intense” was not there.

The Pros

“The Intense” is dependable, a thinker, and consistent. Although they are not buddy-buddy and people may struggle on how to approach them… they are available, willing, and ready; just be sure to get to the point quickly… and be a ready and willing participant in the vision.

The Concerns

“The Intense” can be so focused on task completion, numbers, and not having to answer questions from their superiors… they may struggle with the leadership ability to control the ebb & flow of the team, the office, or the organization. Leaders never drop their standards and expectations, but leaders also understand people can only operate at maximum go-time for so long. You must know when your people or team need a break, some relief, something different, something fun… and also know when and how to retighten the reigns to get back to work!

Also, it helps when “The Intense” knows they are intense. Most people can alter their behaviors, but you are who you are at your core! Some leaders are intense by nature, while others may feel they need to be “Intense” to gain… and keep… the respect of their team. I hear this a lot from new leaders coming into an existing team or women working in male-dominated industries.

When “The Intense” can hire or promote “A Motivator” or “A Connector” to be their right-hand person… an awesome buffer is created to lessen the blow of “The Intense” and positively benefit the team and organization in the process. This DOES NOT give “The Intense” the green light to become MORE INTENSE. However, it provides an opportunity to evolve and learn new skills!

Again, when your style as “The Intense” isn’t working… it may be best to utilize The Leader’s 7 we explored in Chapter 4. Knowing how to speak a different language… the desired professional language of your people never hurts!

When you work for the intense, schedule time to ask questions and share ideas. Ask for clarification to help you better understand concepts or processes; allowing you to best share necessary information with your team. Share ideas; having essential information to enhance your point and start with, “I have an idea I believe will help with _______________. It’d be great to hear what you like about it and anything you’d fine-tune”. This flow and mix of introduction and questioning helps to remove your ego and invite theirs in… I call it, A Leader’s Idea!

This is The 5 Types of Leaders! Which are your Top 2? Remember, great leaders are all five, given the person or situation that requires it of them… and now you know the Pros & Concerns of each and what to do when you work for a certain type. Enjoy!

“A great leader is all Five Types of Leaders given the person or situation that requires it from them … Be Mindful” – Andre Young

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