What to learn from other leadership styles?

Most common leadership styles

There are many different leadership styles, but some are more common than others. We'll take a look at the seven most prevalent styles.

1. The autocratic leader

The first leadership style is the autocratic leader. This type of leader is very demanding and expects their employees to follow their orders without question. They maintain a high level of control over their employees and often make decisions without consulting them. Although this type of leadership can be effective in some situations, it can also lead to discontent and rebellion from employees.

Advantages

• This style can be very effective in situations where quick decisions need to be made.
• Employees may feel motivated to work harder because they know their leader is in control.

Challenges

• This style can lead to employees feeling disengaged from their job.
• Autocratic leaders may have difficulty delegating tasks and trusting their employees.

Businesses and branches

Autocratic leadership is often used in military organizations and other hierarchal structures. Additionally, this leadership style can be found in businesses where quick decisions need to be made, such as in the food and beverage industry.

Keep in mind

Although the autocratic leadership style can be effective in some situations, it's important to learn from its drawbacks. When using this style, it's important to consult with your employees and give them a chance to voice their opinions. This will help prevent resentment and allow you to make better decisions as a leader.

2. The democratic leader

The second leadership style is the democratic leader. This type of leader is more collaborative, and they make decisions by consulting with their team. They allow their employees to have a say in the decision-making process, and they value their input. This type of leadership often leads to more buy-in from employees and can create a more positive work environment.

Advantages

• Implementing this style can lead to more buy-in from employees.
• Employees may feel more motivated because they have a say in the decision-making process.

Challenges

• This style can take more time than other styles, as decisions need to be made through consultation.
• Not all employees will feel comfortable speaking up in a group setting. You'll need to focus on creating an inclusive environment.

Businesses and branches

Democratic leadership is often used in businesses and organizations where employees are highly skilled and need to feel like they're part of the decision-making process. This is common in fields such as software development, research and academia.

Keep in mind

If you want to learn from the democratic leadership style, it's important to give your employees a voice in the decision-making process. This will help create a more positive work environment and lead to better decision-making. Additionally, make sure you create an inclusive environment, so all employees feel comfortable speaking up.

3. The laissez-faire leader

The third leadership style is the laissez-faire leader. This type of leader takes a hands-off approach and allows their employees to make most of the decisions. They provide guidance when needed but otherwise allow their team to work independently. This type of leadership can be effective if you have a highly-skilled and motivated team. However, it can also lead to confusion and chaos if not managed properly.

Advantages

• This style can lead to employees feeling empowered and motivated.
• It can be effective in situations where employees are already skilled and knowledgeable.

Challenges

• Implementing this leadership style can lead to employees feeling lost and confused.
• Laissez-faire leaders may have difficulty stepping in when problems arise.

Businesses and branches

Laissez-faire leadership is often used in businesses where employees are already highly skilled and knowledgeable. For example, this style is often used in the technology industry.

Keep in mind

If you want to learn from the laissez-faire leadership style, it's important to provide your employees with guidance and support. Additionally, it's important to make sure that your team is skilled and knowledgeable before using this style. Lastly, you need to be prepared to step in when problems arise.

4. Transformational leader

The fourth leadership style is the transformational leader. This type of leader is focused on inspiring and motivating their team. They provide a clear vision and help their employees see the importance of their work. Transformational leaders often have high emotional intelligence and are excellent at communicating.

Advantages

• This style can lead to employees feeling inspired and motivated.
• Transformational leaders are excellent at communicating their vision.

Challenges

• This style can be difficult to maintain over a long period of time.
• Transformational leaders may have difficulty delegating tasks.

Businesses and branches

Transformational leadership is often used in businesses that are undergoing change. It's also used in businesses where employees need to be motivated to achieve high levels of performance. Additionally, this style is often used in innovative and creative businesses.

Keep in mind

If you want to learn from the transformational leadership style, it's important to focus on inspiring and motivating your team. Additionally, it's important to be an excellent communicator and have high emotional intelligence. Lastly, you need to be prepared to delegate tasks to your team.

5. Servant leader

The fifth leadership style is the servant leader. This type of leader puts their employees first and works to serve them. They focus on developing their team and helping them grow. Servant leaders often create a positive and supportive work environment.

Advantages

• This style can lead to employees feeling valued and appreciated.
• Servant leaders often create a positive work environment.

Challenges

• This style can be time-consuming, as leaders need to focus on developing their team.
• Servant leaders may have difficulty delegating tasks.

Businesses and branches

Servant leadership is often used in the healthcare and education branch where the focus lies on taking care of others. It is also used in non-profit organizations where the mission is to serve a certain group or population. Additionally, you can also find this style in businesses with a strong customer service focus.

Keep in mind

If you want to learn from the servant leadership style, it's important to focus on your team's development. Additionally, it's important to create a positive and supportive work environment. Lastly, it's important to be able to delegate tasks effectively.

6. Transactional leader

The sixth leadership style is the transactional leader. This type of leader focuses on tasks and results. They establish clear expectations and provide rewards or discipline their employees based on performance. Transactional leaders can be effective in situations where there is a need for quick results. However, this type of leadership can also lead to a lack of creativity and innovation.

Advantages

• This style can lead to employees feeling motivated to complete tasks.
• Transactional leaders are clear about expectations, objectives and rewards.

Challenges

• This style can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation.
• Transactional leaders may have difficulty building relationships with their team.

Businesses and branches

Transactional leadership is often used in businesses where there is a need for quick results. This type of leadership can also be effective in situations where there is a clear chain of command. Additionally, transactional leadership is often used in military and government organizations.

Keep in mind

If you want to learn from the transactional leadership style, it's important to focus on task completion. Additionally, it's important to be clear about expectations and rewards. Lastly, it's important to build relationships with your team.

7. Bureaucratic leader

The seventh and final leadership style is the bureaucratic leader. This type of leader follows rules and regulations to the letter. They maintain a high level of order and control, and they expect their employees to do the same. Bureaucratic leaders can be effective in highly-regulated industries. However, they can also be inflexible and resistant to change.

Advantages

• This style can lead to a high level of order and control.
• Bureaucratic leaders are often very detail-oriented.

Challenges

• This style can lead to inflexibility and resistance to change.
• Bureaucratic leaders may have difficulty building relationships with their team.

Businesses and branches

Bureaucratic leadership is often used in government and military organizations. This is because these organizations place a high emphasis on following rules and regulations. Additionally, bureaucratic leadership can be effective in highly-regulated industries, such as the financial or healthcare industry.

Keep in mind

If you want to learn from the bureaucratic leadership style, it's important to focus on following rules and regulations. It's crucial to be attentive to detail. However, developing good relationships with your team is key.

Which style works for you and your business?

Every business is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a leadership style. The best way to decide which style is right for you is to experiment and see what works best for your business and team. Try out different styles and see which ones lead to the best results.

No matter what leadership style you choose, remember that the most important thing is to be consistent. Your employees will need to know what to expect from you, and they will need to be able to trust you. If you are constantly changing your leadership style, it will be difficult for your employees to know what to expect from you. Choose a leadership style that you are comfortable with, explore it further and stick to it.

Things to take-away

• Each leadership style has its strengths and weaknesses.
• Leadership styles are always evolving, and there is always something new from other leaders.
• By observing different leadership structures and how they operate, you can adapt and improve your leadership style.