Try 18 Styles And Types Of Leadership And See The Magic

Sometimes such situations arise where you have to lead your team. Now the question arises. What are the best types of leadership?

You may encounter such a situation in a college or university. Where you are the head of a team project. Or you might be heading your department.

Such situations need you to take on a signature leadership style.

18 Most Effective Types And Styles Of Leadership:

There are many types and styles of leadership, here we are going to discuss 18 most effective types.

If you are interested to know that 18 types of leadership, do check below:

1. Autocratic Type Of Leadership:

The first in line is the autocratic style. It is the most adopted one.

Most people take on this leadership style to develop their dominance. The people who agree with this style of leadership.

Usually think that they have the most knowledge among the rest of the team members. They consider themselves the wisest among all.

They make decisions without considering the opinion of others. It is one of the different types of leadership.

The authoritative role is what fascinates them. Such people are not ready to listen to anyone.

Only the will of the authority is important. The other team members are not allowed to protest their decisions.

Such a leadership style may be beneficial in some cases. But this style of leadership is not acceptable.

When it comes to teamwork. This type of leadership was a common practice in the past. Whether we should adopt this style or not.

It depends on how knowledgeable is the leader. Particularly in such situations. Where we need a quick decision.

The leader should himself take the decision. If the other members of his team do not have much experience.

Pros And Cons Of Autocratic Leadership:

The autocratic type of leadership has its pros and cons. This type of leadership is crucial.

Particularly when we have to make the decisions on the spot. It reduces the time to take the decision. Also, it reduces the risk of any mistake.

Diverse opinions may lead to any confusion. An autocratic leader focuses on his target. And he knows what decision will help him in reaching that target. But at the same time.

It also carries some of the disadvantages. The team members are not given any chance.

They are not allowed to showcase their skills. And take part in the decision-making process. This attitude makes them feel unwanted. They lose all their interest.

And in the end, it increases the workforce turnover ratio. This style of leadership is contrary to the democratic style. Which we are going to discuss next.

See Also: Why Leadership Skills Are Important

2. Democratic Types Of Leadership:

Democratic type of leadership involves team participation. A democratic leader always asks his team. Before concluding any decision.

It allows everyone to give their opinion. And take part in the decision-making process.

A democratic leader always asks his team what they want to do. But he does it his way.

When the other team members also take part. They feel satisfied. That their opinion is also given importance. Also, diverse opinions help in finding the best solution. This type of leadership is particularly helpful.

When all the team members share some part of their knowledge. A collective decision proves to be more effective.

All the team members to contribute. By sharing their valuable viewpoint. But the final word is of the leader. It is one of the different types of leadership.

Pros And Cons Of Democratic Leadership:

Democratic Leadership has its pros and cons.

It helps to maintain the unity in the team. It creates a sense of alliance. All team members feel motivated.

Creativity and productivity increases. And the possibility of reaching the right decision increases. But sometimes. This process can be so time-consuming.

Moreover, in case of any disagreement among the members.

We cannot take the right decision at the right time. Also, if the other members are new or inexperienced. It could lead to a poor decision.

3. Pacesetting Type Of Leadership:

The next in line is the pacesetting leadership style.

In this type of leadership. The leader sets high standards of achievement. And motivates his team members to achieve them.

It requires that both the leader. As well as the other members should be energetic.

All the members should have a focus on achieving the same goal. They all should have the same mindset.

In other words, we can say. That they all should be at the same level.

Advantages And Disadvantages:

Because this type of leadership is not successful. When we need mentorship and guidance.

All the members should have the motivation to work at the same pace. In this type of leadership.

The leader has concern only with the final results. He sets deadlines for goals. And motivates other members to meet the deadline.

4. Coaching Types Of Leadership:

Next comes the coaching style of leadership. It is one of the different types of leadership.

In this type of leadership, the leader assumes. All the other members have the motivation to learn a new skill. He supposes that all the members have the potential.

The leader gives a little direction. Which serves as the guide to achieving a particular goal.

The leader should have the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of his members. Only then he will be able to give them the right directions.

Moreover, they create a conducive environment. Which would help the members. To overcome their weaknesses. And achieve their aims.

5. Affiliate Type Of Leadership:

Then comes the affiliative style of leadership. Where people have the most importance. The emotions of people are more important.

In this type of leadership, the leader gets in close relation with the members. He may be emotionally attached to his members.

He feels for them. This helps create a stronger bond. There are lesser chances of a conflict.

The members are more like a family. It is beneficial in creating a peaceful environment.

It is one of the different types of leadership. The members can reach targets. In less time with more efficiency.

6. Laissez-Faire Types Of Leadership:

Now we will discuss the laissez-faire style of leadership. In this type, there is no check at all.

It appears as if there is no leader. It is opposite to the autocratic style of leadership. More like a democracy.

Where people have a free hand. Different tasks are assigned to different members. And the leader does not waste his time in supervising them.

In this way, he finds more time in finding out more projects. The leader can concentrate on other projects in this way.

He does not involve himself in checking the works of his teammates. The leader trusts his team members.

It allows them to take decisions on their own. And handle the tasks with their insight.

Advantages And Disadvantages:

This can be very beneficial. But in the case. When all the members have experience and hard-working.

Otherwise, it could also cause them to drift from the target. Because no check can also be disastrous sometimes.

To get the most out of it. You should get the report from the members daily. You should also provide them with random advice.

7. Transformational Types Of Leadership:

Next is the transformational type of leadership. Where the leader is in a constant effort. To come out of your comfort zone.

You might face challenges while working with such a type of leader. Such a leader might give you a task.

He will tell you the deadline for the task. And then after some time, he will reduce the deadline.

This will give you a challenge. And now you will have to complete the task within the new prescribed time. This type of leadership aims to transform you.

Advantages And Disadvantages:

It is particularly helpful when you want to develop.

The leader also motivates the members. And help them in their task completion. But this can be sometimes tricky.

It sometimes requires you to break the company rules.

This type of leadership is particularly beneficial for those who want to learn new skills. It is also very good in order to develop existing skills.

8. Transactional Types Of Leadership:

Now we will discuss the transactional type of leadership. In this type too, the leader also acts as a guide and mentor.

The leader usually offers monetary rewards. On the achievement of targets, the members will get the benefits in monetary terms.

It motivates them to work harder. Also, in case of failure to achieve the target.

The leader takes disciplinary action against them. Which creates a sense of responsibility among them. To work harder next time.

The system of rewards and punishment Helps to motivate the members to try hard to achieve the target.

9. Bureaucratic Types Of Leadership:

The bureaucratic form of leadership is like an autocratic form of leadership.

In this type of leadership, the final command is by the supreme authority. Different tasks are assigned to different people.

All people have assigned specific tasks. No one has to interfere with the work of others. No teamwork is required.

It saves the organization from conflicts and disagreements. Everyone does his work.

This type of leadership is particularly important in a large organizational unit. Where there are a variety of tasks and everyone is assigned a particular task.

10. Visionary Style Of Leadership:

Then comes the visionary type of leadership. Where we expect that the leader has the visionary approach.

A visionary leader can develop strategic plans to achieve what he plans to get. He can drive his team in the right direction. He is the guide for all members.

It is particularly helpful in such situations. When there is a crisis or an emergency. Where the escape requires a strategic plan.

The leader should have the in-sight. He should be able to see under the water. He should be able to speculate about all the possibilities.

In the Visionary style, the leader can analyze the situation and devise the best possible solution.

He can see the possible outcome of his plans.

11. Servant Types Of Leadership:

The servant’s most effective type of leadership which I also feel like. In the servant type of leadership, the leader behaves with all the members as he is also one of them.

He does not distinguish between him and the other members. He feels like part of the team.

The most important thing is, he does not behave like a typical leader. Who always behaves with a dominating character. Rather he behaves as he is also a sub-ordinate. This creates a sense of friend type relation.

It is a common observation that in such an environment the members give the best outcome.

They are feeling more motivated. Because they do not feel like an employee. They work as a group of friends.

Advantages And Disadvantages:

It is a similar example. As if two friends who are working on some project. No one is superior. This sense of equality makes them feel comfortable. They are not hesitant to share each detail.

It also helps to create transparency in the work. There are very fewer chances of any conflict and disagreement.

Everything is done with mutual assistance. This type of leadership guarantees the best outcome.

See Also: 25+ Most Effective Leadership Communication Skills

12. Directive Leadership Style:

It’s a kind of dominant leadership style. The focus of directive leadership relies on tasks and results only. The people working don’t come under the spotlight.

This leadership style can be the most effective in a crisis. During critical situations, team forming becomes impossible. It’s harder to bring people on a single page.

Directive leadership helps to set the goals and check the work. Because as told before, people need guidance and command in a crisis. So goal-setting can be an advantage of this leadership style.

But there is a bad side of this leadership style which is dependence and obedience. People become dependent and employee involvement reduces.

13. Strategic Style of leadership:

The leadership style where the leader has a proper plan is strategic leadership. Using this plan, he knows how to bring his organization to meet its objectives.

The strategic leader tends to have a clear picture of the purpose. Inspiring the teams, he pushes them to explore the new areas. It increases employee engagement. Because they feel valued.

To make this leadership style the effective one. The leader should use his thinking in a strategical way. He needs to be aware that while taking riskier decisions. The leadership style must be effective enough.

14. Authentic Leadership:

Are you true to yourself in the workplace? Is your leadership style an authentic one? Authentic leaders are the most genuine one.

Authentic Leaders are aware of themselves and lead a culture that is inclusive in nature. And supports employee engagement.

An authentic leadership style builds a trustful environment. A culture where there is blind trust up through positivity and authenticity.

15. Situational Type Of Leadership:

Situational leadership allows a leader to be flexible in his leadership style. Can you tackle every situation? If yes, then this leadership style is sure for you.

Situational leaders can adjust their leadership style. They work according to the development level of their followers.

In this leadership style, the style may change. Continuous intervals are used to meet the needs of others based on situations.

Like directive leadership, this approach is also useful in times of crisis. It can be effective if used in a proper way.

Do you think that you have the best leadership style? Then you will be able to move from style to style as required.

16. Collaborative leadership:

Do you have an organization where people are ready to work in partnerships? If the answer is yes. Then try this leadership style.

Collaborative leadership means forming different teams and partnerships. To achieve common purposes of the organization.

Collaborative style values everyone’s opinions and everyone’s voice matters.

But this is a strenuous style to adopt. Because there are chances that leadership gets tangled in various experiences.

Different people’s experiences can come into conflict with each other.

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17. Embodied Types Of leadership:

Are you tired of your old leadership style? Then give a try to this leadership style.

It helps to move away from the tensions and adopt some new patterns. These patterns will help you to be more aware of attention and accountability.

This leadership style can be effective for both leaders and the teams.

It’s useful in situations where there is a need for pressure handling.

18. Global leadership Style:

You can pull off this leadership style if you are operating on an international level. Global leadership will help you to lead in an effective manner.

Leading different cultures and continents. It makes a leader understand business worldwide. Learning different trends and perspectives. Dealing with different situations increases exposure.

But it can be a critical style to develop. Because it’s difficult to understand the differences between teams of different regions.

Summing this up, you can say that there is no leadership style that is best in every situation. But the best leaders are those who take responsibility for everything.

Great leaders believe in their abilities despite the failures. They learn from their mistakes and lead by example. Also, they encourage their team to see their mistakes as the growth point.

What Different Types Of Leadership To Adopt?

Now what leadership to adopt. Depends on what the situation is.

Sometimes it requires you to be an autocrat. Whereas sometimes it requires you to be democratic. And sometimes maybe bureaucratic.

Whatever style of leadership you are going to take on. Depends on the circumstances.

Like what is the calibre of other team members. If they are energetic you should be a pacemaker. Or otherwise, if they are not so sharp.

You should be a guiding mentor to help them. This will help both of you to achieve the collective goal.

Leadership Qualities:

Overall a leader should have the following qualities. He should be self-aware, creative, and goal-oriented.

A good leader always knows what he is capable of. He is capable of effective communication.

Communication matters a lot when it comes to teamwork. Teamwork requires proper coordination to go things smoothly. It is only possible when you have effective communication skills.

A visionary leader should be strategic. He should be able to build plans which will help in achieving particular goals. He can see below the surface.

How To Deal With Conflicts?

Conflicts are a part of teamwork. No disagreements rarely arise while working together. But a good leader knows how to tackle the situation. And make things normal again.

A leader achieves the status of an alchemist. He sees the potential of all the members. He makes plans to achieve the targets properly using the workforce.

All the members have tasks keeping in view their abilities. A leader should have the courage to face criticism.

He should take all the oncoming challenges with arms open. Confidence and courage can make difficult things possible.

Conclusion:

You should know yourself. And understand all these styles of leadership. Then analyze what style of leadership will be most beneficial in your situation.

Traditional leadership styles which were in the past have now become obsolete. They do not work well in the 21st century.

You have to get help from the modern techniques of leadership too.

Today people are with a different mindset. All the circumstances have changed. The working environment has changed.

People react in a different way to different behaviours.

Today if you will try to be autocratic. People might not accept this behaviour.

If you will act friendly maybe, they will cooperate with you. And you will also achieve your target.

All you need today is a strategic plan and effective communication.

Understand yourself and your teammates. And find out the best leadership style which might suit your situation.

Please do comment on which leadership style you like the most. We are waiting for your feedback.

Last Updated on 3 years by Shahzaib Arshad