7 Leadership Styles (With Examples)
by Heather Wolfson, CEO & Lead Strategist, Maven Leadership Consulting
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
When it comes to leadership styles, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
The best leadership style for a particular situation depends on a number of factors, such as the nature of the task, the capacity of the team, and the leader’s own personality.
That being said, there are seven leadership styles you’ll commonly come across in businesses and organizations. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these leadership styles with examples so you can discover your style.
Leadership Styles In Management
Leadership style boils down to how a person provides direction, implements plans, and motivates employees.
Kurt Lewin, a psychologist, and leader of a 1939 study where a group of school children charged with completing a craft project was used to determine that there are three basic types of leadership: authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire.
Since then, more leadership styles have been brought to light.
Let's dive into the seven styles of leadership you’ll most likely encounter around the office.
Authoritarian (Autocratic) Leadership
Those who adopt the authoritarian style dictate policy and procedure to their employees and direct their work without seeking any meaningful input from their teams. As a general rule, an authoritarian-led team would be closely supervised.
Authoritarian Leadership Style Example
A great example of a business leader with an autocratic leadership style is Steve Jobs. Jobs was meticulous and surrounded himself with like-minded people who followed his lead. Apple's success was driven by his creative awareness and attention to detail.
You probably guessed that Jobs wasn’t a fan of delegating. And you’d be right. Every fiber that made up the backbone of his company was critical to him, and he remained at the forefront of every initiative he embarked upon.
Are You An Autoritian Leader?
Three questions to ask to tell if this is your style of leadership.
Is your team member's involvement or creative input minimal or nonexistent in your decision-making process?
Is it your responsibility to oversee policies and processes?
Is your team always under your direct supervision?
2. Participative (Democratic) Leadership
Participative leadership allows for input and feedback from team members. This type of leader consults with their team members and takes their opinions into account when making decisions.
Participative leadership is used to build consensus and ensure that all voices are heard. When used effectively, participative leadership can lead to more effective and responsive decision-making
Participative Leadership Style Example
One well-known example of a participative leader is Indra Nooyi, CEO and chairman of PepsiCo. Nooyi is well-known for taking an interest in the personal lives of employees. Nooyi made news when she sent letters to the parents of direct reports to let them know how proud they should be of their executive adult/children.
When one recruit was undecided about joining the company, Forbes magazine reports, Nooyi called the candidate’s mom and subsequently landed the executive. She has also made fans of investors with smart divestitures and acquisitions, such as Tropicana, Quaker Oats and Gatorade, according to St. Thomas University.
Are You A Participative Leader?
Three questions to ask to tell if this is your style of leadership:
Do you value input from your team members?
Do you like to make decisions together with your team, rather than unilaterally?
Do you feel that participative leadership leads to better decisions?
3. Delegative (Laissez-faire) Leadership
As the name implies, delegative leaders know when to ask for help to complete tasks or make decisions. This type of leader provides guidance and direction, but they also allow others to take the lead on projects or in decision-making.
Delegative leaders trust their team members and give them the freedom to work independently. This type of leadership can also lead to more creative solutions, as team members are given the freedom to think outside the box. Additionally, delegative leadership can help to build trust within a team, as team members feel empowered to work independently and make decisions.
Delegative Leadership Style Example
One of the world’s most successful businessmen, Warren Buffett, is also known for his delegative leadership style. He has often been quoted as saying, “I delegate to others what they can do better than I can.”
This hands-off approach helped Buffett build a successful conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway. He is well-known for delegating authority to his team members, who have taken the reins of his various subsidiaries. This has freed up Buffett’s time so that he can focus on the areas where he can add the most value.
Are You A Delegative Leader?
Three questions to ask to tell if this is your style of leadership:
Do you trust your team to get the job done?
Do you let your team members make decisions?
Do you give your team members the freedom to work in their own way?
4. Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership focuses on achieving results by motivating and guiding employees. This type of leader sets clear objectives and expectations and provides employees with the resources they need to succeed.
Transactional leaders also tend to provide rewards and punishments based on employees' performance. This type of leadership is often effective in organizations that place a high emphasis on results and performance.
Example Of Transactional Leadership
As the co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. He is also a great example of a transactional leader. Gates is known for setting high standards and expecting his employees to meet them. But, he is also quick to give credit where it was due and reward employees who performed well. Overall, Gates was a transactional leader who was focused on results and motivating his employees to achieve them.
Are You A Transactional Leader?
Three questions to ask to tell if this is your style of leadership.
Do I like to work with a team or alone?
Do I like to plan and prepare before taking action?
Do I like to focus on the task at hand or the people involved?
5. Charismatic Leadership
Charismatic leadership stresses the use of personal charm and persuasion to achieve goals. This style of leadership can be both effective and ineffective, depending on the situation. A charismatic leader is able to inspire others and rally them to achieve a common goal.
Charismatic Leadership Style Example
Oprah Winfrey is a perfect example of a charismatic leader. She is someone who has the ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals. Oprah is an excellent communicator and has the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. She has built a successful media empire and has used her platform to help others. Oprah is a prime example of how a charismatic leader can make a difference in the world. She is someone who has inspired millions of people to achieve their dreams.
Are You A Charismatic Leader?
Three questions to ask to tell if this is your style of leadership?
Do you have a clear vision for your team or organization?
Do you have the ability to inspire others to buy into your vision?
Do you have the ability to motivate others to achieve collective goals?
6. Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate others to achieve their full potential. They are able to create a vision for the future and help others to see their potential in themselves. As a transformational leader, it is important to learn to listen and understand the people you are leading. It is also important to be able to communicate your vision in a way that is inspiring and motivating. Finally, you must be willing to put in the hard work to make your vision a reality.
Transformational Leadership Style Example
Jeff Bezos is the founder, chairman, and chief executive officer (CEO) of Amazon.com, Inc. Bezos has been described as a transformational leader and has been credited with Amazon's success in developing and expanding its e-commerce business, as well as its innovative use of technology. Jeff Bezos is considered to be a visionary who can see the potential in people and organizations. He has motivated and inspired others to achieve great things.
Are You A Transformation Leader?
Three questions to ask to tell if this is your style of leadership.
Do you have a clear vision for your organization?
Do you work to empower and develop your team members?
Do you encourage creativity and innovation in your organization?
7. Servant Leadership
Servant leadership focuses on putting the needs of others first. This type of leader often puts the needs of their team or organization above their own, and they work to empower and support others. Servant leaders typically have a strong moral compass and a deep commitment to service.
In recent years, servant leadership has become more popular as a way to build strong and effective teams. This type of leadership has been shown to create a more positive and productive work environment, and it can also help to build trust and commitment within a team.
Servant Leadership Style Example
Cheryl Bachelder is a prime example of a servant leader. As the CEO of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, she has made it her mission to serve her employees and customers first and foremost. Under her leadership, Popeyes has enjoyed unprecedented growth, becoming one of the most popular fast food chains in the country.
When Cheryl Bachelder made the decision to lead in a new way. She didn't believe the position of CEO meant the same thing as being centerstage. She pioneered this Leadership style, which prioritizes teamwork, encouraged transparency, and helped her employees find meaning in their work.
Are You A Servant Leader?
Three questions to ask to tell if this is your style of leadership.
Do you enjoy helping others and watching them succeed?
Do you prefer to lead by example rather than telling others what to do?
Do you have a strong interest in the development and growth of those around you?
How To Find Your Leadership Style
You've heard this before, leaders are not the same as bosses.
Leadership is having the ability to guide and inspire. Think of it as bringing out the positive qualities in others. Empathy and leading by example to create a lasting impact are how I define my leadership style.
Here are three prompts to help you define your leadership style:
In one word, what does the word leader mean to you?
When you think of a leader you admire, what is one word that would describe them?
When you think of your leadership, what is one word that comes to mind?
Can Leaders Change Their Leadership Style?
Short answer: Yes!
Any new situation that arises at the workplace can be handled successfully with a change in leadership style. Adaptability is one of the best leadership skills you can have!
Savvy leaders solve a variety of workplace challenges by their ability to adapt to the situation at hand instead of coming at it from a fixed approach. You can apply an appropriate style that best fits your team members, work environment, and organizational needs.
Own Your Leadership Style
Need help pinpointing and maximizing your leadership style?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to leadership styles. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best leaders are those who are able to adapt their style to the situation at hand and for the people, they are leading.
If you're interested in learning more about how to evolve your leadership style, book a free 20-minute session.
