The Six Different Types of Leadership

By definition it is the process of influencing and guiding others to achieve a common goal or objective. Finding your leadership style is extremely important. One thing I have learned along the way is finding the actual definition of who you are and reading up on it. We all want to believe we are pioneers but our actions can usually be aligned with some sort of definition. Hey, if you really are that different than I would at least tell you to start defining the leadership around you and finding the definition of them so you can gain a better understanding of what you have in front of you.

Sometimes we move through life aimlessly without direction or definition. Definition is a good thing, you probably already fit in a category! You should not only document your life but research up on it, I want to give you a few definitions of different leadership style and see where you fit, do some more research, and you can actually use these techniques to grow yourself through the reading, or at least pick up on a few things to throw into your style! Have you ever admired somebody and belittled yourself by the end of that sentence? “He is assertive and charismatic, that could never be me”. Don’t disqualify yourself, there are multiple styles to leadership that one just may not be yours! Here are a few:

Transformational Leadership- Inspirational style, a focus on the future and helping their people achieve more than they thought was possible by helping them tap into their potential.

Delegative Leadership- Not a micromanager or too involved, provides more feedback or guidance. Delegative leaders allow people to utilize their creativity, resources, and experience to help them meet their goals. This approach works better when you have seasoned and competent people underneath you - this style can also divide groups of people, so this style is as hands on as it is hands off.

Authoritative Leadership- Usually referred to as a visionary. These people are usually referred to as visionaries. People who adopt this style are usually considered mentors. Usually providing overall direction and give their team guidance, feedback, and motivation. This style is very hands on with the finesse to not become a micromanager, it can be very rewarding.

Transaction Leadership- This leadership relies heavily on reward and punishment. This leadership style focuses more on efficiently following established routines and procedures rather than making transformational changes. This can be a rewarding leadership style if it is consistent with the rewards and additional gestures of appreciation.

Participative Leadership- Encouraging style to listen to their employees and involve them in the decision making process. This style includes includes solid communication skill, and be able to share the power and responsibilities with others. This is a collective effort type of leadership ; we all identify the problems and develop solutions instead of assigning individual blame.

Servant Leadership- Puts the needs of others first. Emphasis on creating strong relationships around you and focus on enabling others to create their full potential.

These are just a few examples of different leadership. I hope you can take this information and add it to your tool belt, but ultimately you have to do your own research, if you feel like you heard yourself in any of these definitions do more research, success is a journey.