Leadership: The Good and the Ugly

Leadership is an ever-evolving journey, marked by distinct styles and approaches that shape outcomes, relationships, and legacies. This article explores five popular leadership styles—Authoritarian, Participative, Delegative, Transactional, and Transformational—through personal experiences and reflections.

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Chapter 1: Transactional vs. Participative Leadership

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At a young age, I was exposed to leadership through the lens of family dynamics and community influences, which impacted my understanding of leadership beyond transactional approaches. When I was three years old, I was known as a "little shit"—full of energy, rarely listening, and often running to my great-grandmother’s feijoa tree to knock the fruit off with sticks. My great-grandfather, an ex-war veteran, would laugh and tell others to leave me alone. In contrast, my great-grandmother’s stern warnings often fell on deaf ears.

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These early memories highlight how different leadership styles shaped our family’s environment. My great-grandfather and great-grandmother, humble yet influential leaders in our community, exemplified participative leadership. They both prioritised the well-being and welfare of others, fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose. My great-grandfather's passing when I was just three left a void in our community. By age ten, I witnessed firsthand how participative leadership created buy-in and unity, yet again surrounded by additional exceptional leaders who inspired our community to work together for the greater good. Growing up, this leadership style became ingrained in our community’s fabric, emphasising collective understanding and shared purpose.

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Chapter 2: Authoritarian vs. Delegative Leadership

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At fifteen, I faced the loss of another significant leader in my life: my great-grandmother. Then, at eighteen, my father—the rock of our family—passed away. His death left a massive void in our lives and filled me with bitterness and anger. Struggling with grief, I turned to the only leadership style I knew in my new military career: authoritarianism.

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In the military, the authoritarian approach thrived. Commands like "Do this," "Do that," "Because I said so," and "Shut your mouth" were the norm. Reflecting now, it seems archaic, yet it suited the rigid, high-pressure environment I operated in. Delegating tasks without question or debate ensured efficiency and clarity. However, this style left little room for innovation or personal growth, focusing instead on obedience and discipline.

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Chapter 3: Participative Leadership Revisited

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At the peak of my military career and the start of my transition into the private sector, I began to understand the power of intent-based leadership. By giving team members the autonomy to act on their initiative, we achieved remarkable results. This participative approach emphasised diverse thinking, skills, and perspectives. I discovered that empowering others to "pursue excellence" and innovate led to outcomes that were better, faster, and more resource-efficient. Encouraging collaboration and valuing input from all team members not only achieved goals but also cultivated a culture of trust and accountability. This leadership style resonated deeply with my earlier exposure to participative leadership within my family and community.

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Chapter 4: Transformational Leadership

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Now, in my current chapter of life, and having recently embarked on my MBA degree journey at the University of Waikato, I embrace transformational leadership. This style harnesses the power of commitment and collective thinking to inspire/influence others to achieve greatness. By uniting people under a shared vision, transformational leaders can create "change-makers," empower communities, and pave the way for brighter futures. This path is not easy. It demands innovative thinking, resilience, and a willingness to endure challenges. Blood, sweat, and tears are often part of the journey, getting amongst it but the rewards—inspired teams, empowered individuals, and meaningful change—are unparalleled. Paving the way to an un-limitless potential or upper quartile performance.

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Summary

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Leadership is not one-size-fits-all; it evolves with experience, challenges, and context. It’s a journey that's ever-evolving "From Way Point to Way Point". From the transactional and authoritarian styles that shaped my early career to the participative and transformational approaches I embrace today, each phase has taught valuable lessons. By understanding and adapting these styles, leaders can inspire and empower others to achieve their full potential, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.

https://www.waikato.ac.nz/study/student-success-stories/lloyd-rakaupai/