Not all leaders are created equal. Leadership comes in all shapes, sizes, and modes of operation. Researchers have studied the varying leadership styles for years, and below is an overview of their findings.
Transactional leadership
A clear-cut chain of command is what fuels transactional leaders. What’s more, they’re keen to reward good efforts and quick to punish unacceptable behavior. Studies show that these kinds of leaders prove most effective in completing short-term tasks but seldom reach their full creative potential.
Servant Leadership
Those who embody servant leader traits are excellent decision makers. These trendsetters encourage collaboration and promote positive environments. A servant leader will always place the team before themselves.
Transformational Leadership
These leaders have a hankering to innovate. Typically, transformational leaders foster creative settings that drive intellectual stimulation. In doing so, staff members feel inspired to exercise their resourceful muscles.
Charismatic Leadership
Charming, personable, and optimistic are the hallmarks of charismatic leaders. To them, personality is key. With their sunny disposition and gentle guidance, charismatic leaders make a lasting impression on their subordinates and fellow executives.
Autocratic Leadership
No doubt one of the more dominant types of leaders, autocratic figures balk at the prospect of relinquishing power. They like to remain in control, and they rarely ask others for input. In their eyes, their judgment is the most sound.
Democratic Leadership
The exact antithesis of autocratic leadership, democratic leaders welcome third-party insights and opinions. These supervisors adopt the mindset of we’re all in this together. As a result, they build a harmonious environment for enthusiastic workers.
Bureaucratic Leadership
Bureaucratic leaders are rule followers to their core. Their work ethic is well-thought-out, and they make continual efforts to cultivate their expertise.
Laissez-faire Leadership
These easygoing leaders are preferred for their hands-off management style. Employees are encouraged to implement their own rules and abide by them as they see fit. When it comes to laissez-faire leaders, seemingly nothing ruffles their feathers.
Situational Leadership
Touted as the most effective form of leadership, situational leaders are clever problem solvers. They adapt to their surroundings with ease and are unfazed by the capricious nature of business.