The different leadership styles

What are the different styles of leadership?

According to Daniel Goleman, Annie McKee, and Richard Boyatzis, there are six leadership styles: Commanding, visionary, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting and coaching.

Why are Leadership styles important?

Understanding and knowing your own personal leadership style will help you become an effective leader and communicate with your team members successfully.

However, do not feel that you are only suited to one style of leadership. Different situations call on different styles to be used and understanding the different styles of leadership can help you know which style would be appropriate.

What is a commanding leader?

A commanding leader is what some people may often see as leadership in the traditional sense.

Someone who is commanding dominates a situation and uses demanding language such as, 'Do what I tell you!'. These leaders very much give directives and expect people to follow such orders without question. Usually, these leaders are quick decision makers which can be useful in moments when certain tasks need to be done quickly. However, using such a leadership style long-term can affect the team due to the fact they may begin to feel that they have no influence or say, which can demotivate your team.

What is a visionary leader?

A visionary leader is someone who has a clear idea of what the future can look like.

Visionary leaders tend to be creative, passionate and open-minded. Visionaries are big thinkers and can visualise future potentials.

What is an affiliative leader?

An affiliative leader promotes harmony among his or her group or peers.

These leaders focus on creating a sense of trust between their team, solve conflicts and promote harmony and connections within their team. They are dedicated to maintaining a positive attitude and understand that by ensuring their team are happy, their performance will increase and therefore will produce better results.

What is a democratic leader?

A democratic leader encourages their group to share ideas and opinions to create a collaborative situation.

These leaders can also be known as Participant Leaders. They promote collaboration within a team and support open-mindedness. They like to include their team in the decision-making process and also empower their team members and like to delegate work within their team.

What is a pacesetting leader?

A pacesetting leader is someone who uses the mode of encouragement, 'Do as I am doing'.

They are self-motivated and expect their team to have the same high standards. These leaders 'lead by example' and would not expect any of their team members to do something that they would not do. These leaders focus on results and excellence.

What is a coaching leader?

A coaching leader is an individual who is directly involved in the development of their people.

They focus on helping develop their team’s personal and professional growth. They help people acknowledge and develop their strengths, recognise their weaknesses and improve their skill set.

What makes an effective leader?

An effective leader is someone who is motivated to achieve beyond their own expectations.

An effective leader has a deeply embedded desire to achieve for the sake for achieving, they want to do a good job for themselves and their team, they are passionate and enthusiastic about what they do and are able to motivate others.