In Leadership 10, we have been doing a unit on the different styles of leadership. Below is our group consensus on the definition for each, and my personal opinion on the most effective.
Transformational
- A leader who can energise the group.
- Their passion is contagious.
- Can improve loyalty, performance, and work ethic.
- Is involved in the process.
Democratic
- A style of leadership where everyone has a say and can openly share opinions.
- Decisions rely on group consensus, active participation, honest praise and criticism, and fellowship of people trying to achieve a similar goal.
Servant
- A style of leadership where the leader listens to the needs of others rather than their own.
- The leader serves the followers, prioritizing the team’s needs to create a collaborative and inclusive environment.
Visionary
- A leader capable of envisioning a common goal.
- Able to bring a group toward an ends through strategic and inspirational means.
Pace-Setting
- Leaders act as an example to others, setting the ‘pace’ for what the expectations of effort and skill are.
- Demands a high level of independence from group members.
Transactional
- Intended for corporate environments.
- Rewards high performance and penalizes poor performance.
- Motivates workers to go above and beyond.
Laissez-Faire
- Gives freedom and emphasizes delegation and minimal supervision.
- Encourages innovation, productivity and personal growth.
- External micromanaging.
Autocratic
- One leader has absolute power over decisions.
- Little input from others.
- Allows for quick decision making.
- Can limit creativity and collaboration.
Personal Opinion
My personal favourite style of leadership is Pace-Setting. I find myself in a similar system relatively often, and I always find it enjoyable when I am surrounded by diverse, talented, and adventurous people. From what I’ve seen, it fosters an environment of innovation and improvement, and really brings out the best in everybody.
