Leadership! Types of Leadership

Whether you are leading a small group or a large organization, the leadership style you implement can greatly impact the effectiveness of your efforts. Although there are several types of leadership, the most effective one depends on you and your team.

Although becoming an effective leader can take time and effort, it will be worth it to see your team succeed. Christie Lindor, solution principal at Slalom Consulting, described some common traits of an effective leader.

"Effective leaders demonstrate the political will to make tough decisions and are accountable enough to follow through on promises," she told Business News Daily. "Transparent communication styles also make leaders effective."

In addition to making tough decisions and exhibiting clear communication, examine your leadership style and evaluate how it may be perceived by your subordinates. You may have to alternate leadership styles to accommodate your team's changing needs. 

Types of Leadership:

There are several different leadership styles that can be unique to each individual; however, experts agree that most leaders fit into at least one of these nine different leadership styles. When you analyze which leadership style you use, Lindor said, keep in mind that there are no right or wrong styles.

"It's all about pairing leadership styles with the right organizational fit, market, timing and needs in a way that drives successful outcomes," said Lindor. 

1.    Autocratic leadership: This is one of the strictest types. Autocratic leaders tend to have complete control over the decision-making process. This leadership style can be effective when decision-making is urgent or workmanship is routine.

2.    Bureaucratic leadership: Although not as strict as autocratic leaders, bureaucratic leaders also tend to strictly enforce regulations and statuses in the hierarchy. This leadership style can be effective in healthcare and safety environments.

3.    Charismatic leadership: Charismatic leaders have an infectious presence that motivates their team to follow their lead. Their likability helps them and their teams achieve success in business. This leadership style can be effective in high-energy work environments that need a lot of positive morale. 

4.    Democratic leadership: Unlike autocratic or bureaucratic leaders, a democratic leader often welcomes subordinate participation in decision-making. This leadership style is often admired and can be effective in creative work environments that don't require quick decisions.

5.    Laissez-faire leadership: Laissez-faire leaders have a hands-off approach and let their employees assume responsibility in the decision-making process, although they must still set employee expectations and monitor performance. This leadership style can be effective when working with highly experienced and confident employees.

6.    Servant leadership: Servant leaders share power and decision-making with their subordinates and often direct the organization based on the interests of the team. This leadership style can be effective for humanitarian organizations, nonprofits, and teams that need to create diversity, inclusion, and morale.

7. Situational leadership: Situational leaders can implement a range of leadership types and modify their style based on the needs of their employees 

Each style of leadership has its own advantages and disadvantages, although some styles are commonly seen as more desirable. For example, most small businesses can benefit from transformational, democratic or situational leadership.

"The leadership styles that I most admire are transformational, which is about articulating an inspiring vision and helping people reinvent themselves and their company; servant leadership, which is all about taking care of your clients, employees and the general community; and situational leadership, which is all about creating an agile way of leading and thinking depending on the needs of the organization or marketplace," said Lindor.