What response style appeals best to your organisational needs and team? Find out which one makes you an effective leader.
There are many different leadership models out there, we have discussed some of the most common types of leadership HERE. For many emerging leaders it is a good reminder that adopting a leadership model should be a matter of decision and not something that develops by default.
As such, perhaps it is better to err to an inspirational leadership model – such as those set out below – rather than alight on something that may not work within the modern workplace.
1. Transformational Leadership
Transformational leadership is a style of leadership where the leader works to transform the team or organization by inspiring and motivating them to achieve extraordinary things. The benefits of this style of leadership are that it can lead to high levels of employee engagement and motivation, and it can also help create a culture of innovation and creativity. However, one of the drawbacks of transformational leadership is that it can be difficult to maintain over the long term. Often transformational leaders are interim in that they come in to fix a specific problem, fix it and then make way for someone who will take over the business as usual work.
2. Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is a style of leadership where the leader focuses on serving others, rather than on power or authority. The benefits of this style of leadership are that it can create a more positive and productive work environment, and it can also help build trust and respect between the leader and the team. However, the drawback of servant leadership is that it can be difficult to implement in a large organization and if leaders are not careful they can over-serve their team, and make them less productive.
3. Situational leadership
Situational leadership is a style of leadership where the leader adapts their approach to the situation at hand. This works well in moments of change, and crisis, where the team themselves don’t know what is going to happen next. The benefits of this style of leadership are that it can help leaders be more effective in a variety of different situations, and it can also help them to build better relationships with their team. However, the drawback of situational leadership is that it can be difficult to learn and master, it looks and feels like you are making it up as you go…because frankly, you are! This works well on trading floors, A&E wards, and other emergency services.
4. Resilient leadership
A style of leadership where the leader leans into uncertainty and change. They know what shifts them and their team from pressure to stress and how to rebalance. It is preparing for the worst while planning for the best. The benefits of this style of leadership are that it can help leaders to overcome foreseen/unforeseen challenges and setbacks, and it can also help them to build stronger relationships with their team. However, one of the drawbacks of resilient leadership is that it can be difficult to maintain over the long term unless you rebalance and reset as individuals and a team. If you want to know more about resilient leadership, we have a separate article on how to develop it HERE.
What to do next?
Choosing a leadership style or model to emulate may seem contrived but it is better to find a proven style and adapt it to suit your personality and the needs of your team than feel you are starting from scratch in each new role.
If you want to know more about leadership styles or want help to develop your own then get in touch.
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