Common Leadership Styles
Different situations require different leadership styles. Understanding your natural tendency can help you adapt and become a more effective leader.
- Visionary (Authoritative): Mobilizes people toward a vision. "Come with me."
- Coaching: Develops people for the future. "Try this."
- Affiliative: Creates harmony and builds emotional bonds. "People come first."
- Democratic: Forges consensus through participation. "What do you think?"
- Pacesetting: Sets high standards for performance. "Do as I do, now."
- Commanding (Coercive): Demands immediate compliance. "Do what I tell you."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a "best" leadership style?
No single style is best for every situation. The most effective leaders are situational—they adapt their style to fit the team's needs and the context of the challenge.
Can I change my leadership style?
Yes. While you may have a natural default style, you can learn to adopt other styles through training and conscious effort to become a more versatile leader.