Everyone has their own way of doing things, and the same goes for leaders. Every leader has their own leadership style.

Multiple factors influence how leaders behave, such as their personality, experience, values, etc. The most effective leaders can adapt their leadership style to different situations and people.

There are many ways to classify leadership styles, but here are seven common leadership styles.

1. Autocratic leadership: The autocratic leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes decisions alone or with a small, trusted group. In this style, the leader holds complete authority and control over decision-making, and they expect employees to do exactly what they’re asked. They typically have a strong vision for the future and are confident in their ability to execute it. Autocratic leaders can be effective in situations where speed and decisiveness are critical. However, they can also be seen as authoritarian and inflexible, and their style can lead to low morale and resentment among employees.

2. Bureaucratic leadership: The bureaucratic leadership style is like the autocratic leadership style, but it focuses more on following rules and procedures precisely as written. Bureaucratic leaders adhere strictly to rules, policies, and established procedures. They ensure that tasks are carried out according to predetermined protocols and guidelines, maintaining a structured and orderly work environment. This style can be effective in highly regulated industries that need to ensure compliance and accuracy, but it can also stifle creativity and innovation.

3. Democratic leadership: The democratic leadership style involves shared decision-making and active participation from team members. Democratic leaders believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute and that team members are more likely to commit to a decision if they have a say in it. This style is characterized by a leader who considers employees' values and opinions before making decisions that impact the team. This style can foster trust and collaboration among team members and can be effective in situations where creativity and innovation are important. However, it can also slow down the decision-making process, and democratic leaders can sometimes be seen as indecisive.

4. Laissez-faire leadership: Also known as hands-off leadership, laissez-faire leaders provide minimal guidance and supervision, allowing their team members to make most of the decisions and carry out tasks independently. They believe that people are more likely to be motivated and engaged when they have a high degree of autonomy. Laissez-faire leaders can be effective in situations where team members are highly skilled and experienced. However, they can also be seen as uninvolved and disengaged.

5. Transformational leadership: Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their team members to achieve more than they thought possible. They have a clear vision, provide clear direction, encourage personal development, and empower their team to take ownership of their work. Transformational leaders can be effective in any situation, but they are particularly well-suited for leading change. This style can enhance performance and innovation among employees, but it can also require a lot of energy and commitment from the leader.

6. Transactional leadership: Transactional leaders focus on setting clear expectations, and they use rewards and punishments to motivate their team. They establish specific goals and provide feedback or performance evaluations based on predetermined criteria. Transactional leaders can be effective in situations where there is a clear need for structure and accountability. However, they can also be seen as controlling and manipulative.

7. Servant leadership: Servant leadership emphasizes the leader's role as a servant to their team and is characterized by a leader who puts the needs and interests of their team above their own. Servant leaders empower their team to grow and develop, and they foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. In servant leadership, it can be challenging to balance the needs of different stakeholders and maintain authority.

There is no single "best" leadership style. The best leadership style for a particular situation will depend on several factors, including the goals of the organization, the type of work being done, and the skills and experience of the team members.

It is also important for leaders to be flexible and adaptable. Since no one leadership style is effective in all situations, the best leaders can adjust their style to meet the needs of the moment. They can assess the readiness and competence of their team members and adjust their approach accordingly.

Which leadership styles do you prefer or use?

Sources:

1. Corporate Finance Institute: "Leadership Styles" - CFI Team

2. Indeed.com: "8 Common Leadership Styles (How to Find Yours)" - Indeed Editorial Team