Six Leadership Styles

A Leadership style can be defined as the manner and approach of providing directions, implementing project plans, and motivating people. It is also the behavior of the project leader when leading, empowering, inspiring, and sharing a vision with groups of people. Leadership styles should be adapted to the particular demands of the situation, the particular requirements of the people involved and the challenges facing the project and organization.

Here is a model that describes six different styles of leadership(*):

• The Commanding leader provides clear directions, demands immediate compliance. And focus on results. The one phrase that can define this style is "Do what I tell you." This style is most effective in times of crisis, or during an actual emergency when you need unquestioned rapid action.
• The Visionary leader?mobilizes the team and stakeholders toward a common vision and focuses on goals but leaving the details on how to get there to each person. The one phrase that can define this style is "Come with me."
• The Affiliative Leader creates people connections?and emotional bonds that bring a feeling of bonding and belonging to the project and organization. The one phrase that can define this style is "People come first."
• The Democratic Leader values inputs and commitment, listening to both the bad and the good news. The democratic leader builds consensus through participation. The one phrase that can define this style is "What do you think?".
• The Pacesetting leader builds challenge and exciting goals for people, expecting excellence, and often leads by example. The pacesetting leader expects and models excellence and self-direction. The one phrase that can define this style is "Do as I do, now."
• The Coaching leader?develops people for the future. ?Helps others to advance their skills, build strengths, and provide a lot of guidance.? The one phrase that can define this style is "Try this."

It’s important to remember that the style that project managers will use is based on a combination of their beliefs, values and preferences, as well as the organizational culture and norms which will encourage some styles and discourage others.?There may be situations when the project manager can be more commanding and in other situations more democratic. Even the maturity of the team, experience, and skills can influence the type of management style.?Experienced project managers also know when to use one style over the other. When the team is new or lacks experience, the project manager may choose to be more direct. When the team has experience and high skills, the style may be more participatory and hands-off.?It’s more an art than a science, and a project manager must be fully aware of the implications of each style.

(*This model was developed by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis and Annie McKee)

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