November 16, 2023
We wrote previously about exploring effective leadership styles within your business. We know firsthand that cultivating your business’s leadership team is one of the most impactful things a business can do to ensure success across its teams.
Since many of our teams are working away from our headquarters, in offices around the country, it’s necessary that we trust those who are leading and making decisions for the employees that they manage and the clients that they serve.
Managers that are promoted can make or break a company, especially those who work closely with entry-level employees. That is where company culture is established and shaped. Upper-level management can talk about what they want to see flourish within the business. Until those working under their management can feel the effects of those decisions it has not proven effective.
So, what styles of leadership might positively influence your work-life? Different situations and different personalities require diverse approaches. These examples might prove helpful as you develop in a leadership role.
Situational Leadership
Situational leadership is all about adaptability. Leaders who use this style assess the specific needs of a situation and adjust their leadership approach accordingly. This means they may be directive in some instances, coaching in others, and delegating when appropriate.
Situational leaders understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to leadership, and they tailor their actions to the unique circumstances and challenges they face. This flexibility allows them to respond effectively to changing conditions and diverse team dynamics.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership revolves around clear and structured exchanges between leaders and their team members. Leaders using this style set expectations, establish performance standards, and reward or correct behaviors accordingly. It's all based on the idea of a transaction: if team members meet the expectations, they receive rewards or recognition; if they fall short, there are consequences.
While transactional leadership can be effective in achieving short-term goals and maintaining order, it may not be the best long-term strategy for fostering innovation and creativity within a team. And as always, we recommend the approach to praise in public and correct in private!
Charismatic Leadership
You’ve probably known a charismatic leader in your life. This is someone who seems to have a magnetic and inspirational quality that draws people to them. They possess strong communication skills, vision, and the ability to inspire trust and confidence in their team. This style can be highly effective in motivating and energizing teams, especially during challenging times.
However, charismatic leadership can also have downsides, such as overreliance on the leader's personality rather than a focus on the organization's mission and values. It's crucial for charismatic leaders to build systems and structures that keep the company’s goals at the forefront of their efforts.
Democratic Leadership
Also known as participative leadership, this style involves decision-making through consensus and collaboration. Leaders using this style encourage team members to share their ideas and opinions and actively involve them in the decision-making process.
This approach often leads to engaged and committed team members who feel valued and heard. This can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for situations that require quick decisions, but for those who have a big picture in mind, this approach can achieve great outcomes.
Is there a leadership style that resonates with you? Do you gravitate towards a particular style when facing a dilemma or making group decisions? Is there a style that you wish you’d see employed more within your own team?
True leaders within a business hold tremendous influence over morale, productivity, and overall success. Their interactions with clients and the teams they manage will change the impression that individuals have of a business. We’re lucky to have a team that lets you Consider It Done, but building that team takes continuous intentionality and attention to those in leadership roles. We’re so proud of the team we have today, and we know that every amazing team is the result of hardworking, attentive people who invested in personnel from the ground up.