Understand The 7 Different Types Of Leadership Styles With Examples

Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge. As a leader, it is important to understand the different types of leadership styles and how they can impact your team. 

In this blog, we will dive into the seven types of leadership styles with examples. We will discuss transformational leadership, autocratic leadership, participative (Democratic) leadership, transactional leadership, delegation leadership, bureaucratic leadership, and servant leadership. Understanding these styles will help you identify your style and choose the right one for different situations.

Let’s get started!

What are leadership styles?

Leadership styles are the different approaches leaders use to interact with their team members and make decisions. Therefore, it’s essential to identify and understand different leadership styles, as they can significantly impact a team’s overall effectiveness. There are seven main leadership styles – autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, transformational, transactional, servant, and situational – each with unique characteristics and benefits. By understanding these various styles, leaders can identify their strengths and weaknesses and adapt their approach to better lead their teams towards success.

Why is understanding leadership styles important?

Effective leadership is a crucial component of any successful organization, and understanding different leadership styles is necessary to achieve success. By identifying your leadership style and recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, you can become a more effective leader and create a positive work environment. Additionally, understanding the impact of leadership styles on team dynamics and organizational culture can help you make informed decisions that promote productivity, job satisfaction, and overall success. Ultimately, taking the time to understand different types of leadership is an investment in your growth as a leader and in the success of your team or organization.

7 Different Types of Leadership Styles

Transformational Leadership 

Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their employees by providing a clear vision, setting high expectations, and fostering a sense of purpose. They encourage creativity and innovation, empower their team members, and lead by example. They promote a collaborative and supportive work environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to achieve their full potential. 

An example of transformational leadership is a CEO who communicates a compelling vision, encourages employees to think outside the box, and empowers them to take ownership of their work.

Autocratic(Coercive) Leadership

Autocratic leaders make decisions independently without much input or involvement from their employees. They have strict control over decision-making and often dictate tasks and expectations to their subordinates. While this style can be efficient in certain situations, it can stifle creativity and autonomy. 

An example of coercive leadership is a manager who makes all decisions without consulting the team, gives orders without explanation, and expects strict adherence to their instructions.

Participative (Democratic) Leadership

Participative leaders involve their employees in decision-making processes and value their input. They seek consensus, encourage open communication, and empower their team members to contribute ideas and suggestions. This leadership style fosters a sense of ownership, collaboration, and engagement among employees. 

An example of democratic leadership is a team leader who facilitates brainstorming sessions, invites feedback and incorporates the ideas and opinions of team members into the final decision-making process.

Transactional Leadership

Transactional leaders focus on maintaining order and achieving specific goals through rewards and punishments. They set clear expectations, define roles and responsibilities, and provide feedback based on performance. This leadership style emphasizes compliance with established rules and procedures. 

An example of transactional leadership is a supervisor who provides rewards or recognition for meeting targets and implements consequences for not meeting expectations.

Delegative (laissez-faire) Leadership

Delegative leaders entrust decision-making authority and responsibility to their employees. They provide guidance and support when needed but allow individuals to have autonomy and make choices. This style promotes employee empowerment, fosters creativity, and develops a sense of ownership. 

A manager who assigns projects to team members, allows them to develop their strategies, and provides support when requested is practicing a delegating leadership style.

Learn more here: Pros and cons of delegation leadership style in the workplace

Bureaucratic Leadership 

Bureaucratic leaders emphasize strict adherence to rules, policies, and procedures. They value formalities, hierarchy, and maintaining control over processes. This style can ensure consistency and stability but may hinder flexibility and innovation. 

An example of bureaucratic leadership is a manager who enforces strict compliance with all organizational policies, follows a rigid chain of command and strongly emphasizes establishing protocols.

Servant Leadership

Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their employees and focus on serving and supporting them. They listen attentively, empathize, and provide resources and assistance to help individuals succeed. In addition, they prioritize the growth and well-being of their team members, fostering a culture of care and trust. 

An example of servant leadership is a team leader who actively listens to the concerns of their team, removes obstacles and supports each team member’s personal and professional development.

How to choose the right leadership style for yourself?

Choosing the right leadership style for yourself can be a challenging task. It requires you to understand your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, consider the needs of your team, evaluate the situation, and be willing to adapt and adjust your leadership style as needed. However, taking the time to choose the right leadership style can benefit you and your team significantly. You’ll be able to create a positive work environment where everyone can thrive, improve productivity, and achieve your goals more effectively. So take the time to assess your leadership style and make necessary changes for a successful outcome.

Conclusion

Understanding the different leadership styles is crucial to becoming a better leader. Each style has its strengths and weaknesses, and knowing them can help you choose the right approach for different scenarios. Whether transformational, autocratic, participative, transactional, delegation, bureaucratic, or servant leadership resonates with you the most, remember there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable in your leadership style and understand what works best for your team at any given moment. To learn more about these different leadership styles, Sign up for Risely and become an effective leader today!

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