Six Important Styles of Leadership

Coaching Leaders

In the Coaching Leadership Style the leader focuses on helping others in their personal development, and in their job-related activities.  The coaching leader aids others to get up to speed by working closely with them to make sure they have the knowledge and tools to be successful.  This situational leadership style works best when the employee already understands their weaknesses, and is receptive to improvement suggestions or ideas.

Pacesetting Leaders

When employees are self-motivated and highly skilled, the Pacesetting Leadership Style is extremely effective.  The pacesetting leader sets very high performance standards for themselves and the group.  They exemplify the behaviors they are seeking from other members of the group.  This leadership style needs to be used sparingly since workers can often “burn out” due to the demanding pace of this style.

Democratic Leaders

The Democratic Leadership Style gives members of the work group a vote, or a say, in nearly every decision the team makes.  When used effectively, the democratic leader builds flexibility and responsibility.  They can help identify new ways to do things with fresh ideas.  Be careful with this style, however, because the level of involvement required by this approach, as well as the decision-making process, can be very time consuming.

Affiliative Leaders

The Affiliative Leadership Style is most effective in situations where morale is low or teambuilding is needed.  This leader is easily recognized by their theme of “employee first.”  Employees can expect much praise from this style; unfortunately, poor performance may also go without correction.

Authoritative Leaders

If your business seems to be drifting aimlessly, then the Authoritative Leadership Style can be very effective in this type of situation.  The authoritative leader is an expert in dealing with the problems or challenges at hand, and can clearly identify goals that will lead to success.  This leader also allows employees to figure out the best way to achieve those goals.

Coercive Leaders

The Coercive Leadership Style should be used with caution because it’s based on the concept of “command and control,” which usually causes a decrease in motivation among those interacting with this type of manager.  The coercive leader is most effective in situations where the company or group requires a complete turnaround.  It is also effective during disasters, or dealing with under performing employees – usually as a last resort.