Leadership takes many forms, as we’re all different. One may guide, inspire, and motivate in a way that nobody else does. But have you ever stopped to think about what kind of leader you are? More importantly, do you know what benefits and potential pitfalls are associated with your style?
In this blog, we are going to break down some of the common types of leadership styles, the benefits of embracing that style, and some of the drawbacks that might come along with it. Understanding where you stand can help you lead better and grow as a leader.
1. The Visionary Leader
Benefits:
A visionary leader is one who thinks ahead of others. He or she can envision the big picture and inspire a team to work toward a goal that may seem almost impossible to achieve. Visionaries often inspire creativity and innovation, which will then yield some groundbreaking ideas that can evoke long-term success.
Potential Drawbacks
Inspirational and visionary leaders sometimes miss the minute details and do not specify a practical pathway to actualize how to reach the desired end. Teams, if they are not clear about the roadmap, get stifled or confused and don’t know how to operationalize the vision. Visionaries tend to get frustrated with small, routine tasks, making the operation ineffective at the detail level.
Key Advice: Leverage big-picture thinking with action steps, and surround yourself with detail-oriented people who can help bring your vision to life.
2. The Democratic Leader
Benefits:
Democratic leaders are team effort believers and usually have the team opinion before making any decisions. This makes the team be more motivated as well as valued. It leads to the development of many rounded decisions because decisions are made based on the multiple diverse opinions.
Potential Drawbacks
While a drawback of inclusiveness is that decision-making is slow and cumbersome, democratic leaders are at the other end of the spectrum. A choice from everyone does not get things done promptly, especially in dynamic environments. In some cases, it may also provide ambiguous guidance when nobody can agree.
Key Take-Away: There will be occasions when you simply know the time has come to move forward and act on your decision. While input is invaluable, at times leadership demands acting quickly.
3. The Transformational Leader
Benefits:
Transformational leaders try to achieve personal and professional development. They motivate the teams to exceed set standards by requiring them to remain innovative and better themselves. Charismatic leaders create energizing, motivated, and positive work atmospheres.
Potential Drawbacks:
Growth is the concern but may create unrealistic expectations at times. Such leaders push too hard for constant improvement, to the point of burnout if the team seems never to be able to rest. Another weakness this kind of leader may develop is an imbalance in the operational nature of things. They would spend too much time on vision and motivation and not on the execution.
Key Take-Away: Remember to appreciate the accomplishments of your team, and understand when it is time for them to have some room so they can get that recharge going.
4. The Autocratic Leader
Benefits:
Where fast action is required, an autocratic leader usually makes all the decisions himself. Great, because they do very well where fast strategic solutions are required, often in places where no argument or debate can be allowed while they might give the impression of providing clear direction by not leaving too much for your imagination.
Potential Drawbacks:
The drawbacks of an autocratic approach are that it discourages creativity and teamwork. Members of a group may feel powerless and excluded when their opinions are never solicited. Over time, this may lead to disengagement, resentment or high turnover as employees feel that they have no say in the process.
Key Advice: Sometimes it’s very helpful to “make up one’s mind.” Other times, however, you will be in situations where you will need to have the support of your team. So, involve them throughout the decision-making process. They will then be much more invested if they feel a part of making the decisions.
5. The Servant Leader
Benefits:
Team needs are put before the needs of the servant leaders. They do so because they believe that by giving their employees power, they empower them to perform at their optimum best. Servant leaders develop trust, loyalty, and great bonding between team members. In many cases, closed, supportive environments where people feel valued are produced by servant leadership.
Potential Drawbacks:
This is a very powerful form of leadership, especially in building the kind of culture that is positive, but sometimes drains the energy of the leader him- or herself. A servant leader tends to take too much responsibility on his or her own shoulders and forget about him- or herself, putting others’ needs ahead of those of his or her own. This can even cause the leadership to be too soft, even lacking personal discipline or accountability within a team.
Key Takeaway: Don’t forget to care for yourself. Counterbalance your desire to help others with the realization that your own needs are equally worthy of attention.
- The Transactional Leader
Benefits:
They operate on a system of rewards and penalties. They set clear expectations and provide incentives for meeting them, which creates a structured and goal-oriented environment. Such a leadership system works well in the industries where routine, consistency, and achievement of specific targets are essential.
Potential Drawbacks
The measure of reward and punishment reduces motivation if employees consider that they’re working for the outward rewards rather than doing something for themselves. It leads to an uncreative response as employees do only what is required for them to achieve a reward and nothing extra is done.
Remember to celebrate every effort that conquers the transactional nature of the relationship with thanks and a holiday feast. Sometimes creativity and passion are produced more reliably when people are driven by something more than extrinsic rewards.
So, what kind of leader are you? Maybe you recognize one or perhaps you realize you likely use a combination depending upon the situation. The best leaders, as you can see, understand their strengths and weaknesses and also their ability to change and use the right blend in particular circumstances.
There are many different leadership styles, one of which may emerge as a best fit but none that fits all. The good leader knows himself, understands the needs of his team, and is open to growth. In your self-assessment about your leadership style, reflect on how you can make use of the strengths you have but also try to conquer any potential deficit in order to create a balanced and dynamic leadership style.
