What kind of leader do you aim to be? 6 different styles

Effective leadership is a cornerstone of successful teams, including those working in the yachting industry.

There are various different leadership styles which can help guide leaders, managers and HODs in their approach to leading teams.

In this blog post, we will delve into six distinct leadership styles, the characteristics of each one, and look at their pros and cons.

Which one do you most identify with and what kind of leader motivates you best? Check out The Crew Academy's Leadership courses here.

A 'bureaucratic' leader

Bureaucratic leadership is characterised by a strict adherence to rules and procedures. Leaders following this style emphasise structure and rely on established protocols to achieve organisational goals.

Pros:

• Clear hierarchy and structure
• Consistent decision-making
• Efficient handling of routine tasks

Cons:

• Lack of flexibility
• Limited creativity and innovation
• Potential for slow response to change

A 'transformational' leader

Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams by fostering a shared vision and encouraging personal and professional growth.

They often lead by example and seek to create positive change within the organisation.

Pros:

• Inspires innovation and creativity
• Motivates team members to exceed expectations
• Builds a strong organisational culture

Cons:

• Can be emotionally demanding
• Relies heavily on the leader's charisma
• May face resistance to change

Check out The Crew Academy's Leadership courses here.

A 'servant' leader

Servant leadership focuses on serving others first, with leaders prioritising the well-being and growth of their team members. This style encourages collaboration and empathy.

Pros:

• Fosters a positive work environment
• Builds strong relationships
• Promotes employee development

Cons:

• Potential for indecisiveness
• May be seen as too idealistic
• Challenges in assertiveness

A 'democratic' leader

In a democratic leadership style, decision-making is collaborative, involving input from team members. This approach values participation and inclusivity.

Pros:

• Encourages teamwork and collaboration
• Boosts morale and engagement
• Utilises diverse perspectives for decision-making

Cons:

• Time-consuming decision-making process
• Potential for indecision in the face of disagreement
• May not be suitable for urgent situations

A 'charismatic' leader

Charismatic leaders use their charm, personality, and persuasion skills to influence and inspire their teams. They often possess strong communication skills and a compelling vision.

Pros:

• Inspires enthusiasm and commitment
• Builds a strong sense of identity and purpose
• Effective in times of crisis

Cons:

• Dependency on the leader's personality
• Risk of creating a cult-like following
• May neglect practical details in pursuit of vision

Check out The Crew Academy's Leadership courses here.

An 'autocratic' leader

Autocratic leaders make decisions independently, without much input from others. This style is characterised by a top-down approach, where the leader holds significant control over decision-making.

Pros:

• Quick decision-making
• Clear expectations and direction
• Efficient in crisis situations

Cons:

• Limited employee input and motivation
• Potential for resentment and dissatisfaction
• Stifles creativity and innovation

So, which style should you choose?

Understanding various leadership styles is crucial for leaders seeking to adapt their approach to different situations.

While each style has its merits, the key is to recognize the unique needs of the organisation and the team to choose the most effective leadership style for the given context.

Successful leaders often employ a combination of these styles, known as situational leadership, to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

Want to grow as a leader?

If you’re looking to gain greater clarity of your leadership journey and learn how to maximise performance, The Crew Academy's Advanced Leadership?prgoram helps existing and aspiring leaders working in any department on a yacht to build better teams and can help accelerate your career.

There’s also the HOD Leadership & Crew Administration course which builds on the Leadership program with a full portfolio of skills required of managers in yachting.

For senior leaders, we have the Command & Senior Leadership course, a transformational program to provide a deep understanding of leadership, professional development, and organisational cultures.

For more details about any of our courses and for advice on how to take that next career step, email [email protected].

For the latest job opportunities, visit our jobs board and register your CV with The Crew Hunter.