Defining Your Leadership Style

Do you have an existing leadership style?

Are you distant but authoritative? Are you present yet overbearing? Do you fall somewhere in the middle, able to be supportive without stepping on any toes?

Regardless of where you would place yourself on the scale of transformational to transactional, self-awareness is key to being the best leader possible.

Why is it Important to Define Your Leadership Style?

Although every challenge calls for a unique solution, it can be really confusing for a team when they’re constantly unsure which leader they are approaching.

Are you a visionary that will inspire them to go above and beyond? Are you autocratic, sympathising with their problem but unwilling to do anything about it?

If the answer changes on a day-to-day basis, you’ll be placing an additional communication barrier between you and your employees – making them less likely to seek your support when it’s needed.

To facilitate a relationship with them, you have to be consistent. Take the time to define your preferred leadership style and act upon it. This will benefit you in other areas of your work, too.

“ Pinpointing your leadership style helps you provide adequate guidance and feedback to employees, and better understand your thoughts, how you make decisions and strategies you can consider implementing when making business decisions.” – HubSpot

The Different Types of Leadership Styles

The truth is, only you are in the position to decide which type of leader would be most suited for your unique circumstances. Your decision will be influenced by…

1. The role you’re in.
2. The relationship you have with your team.
3. The culture of your workplace.
4. The scale of your business.

However, the most common leadership styles (one of which you’ll most likely resonate with) are as follows…

Any of these leadership styles can be an effective approach to take, requiring you to act a certain way in order to produce the best results. A few of them even have some distinct overlaps, so take some time to research the best direction for you… especially if you are transitioning into a new job.

Who do you want to be?

How to Define Your Leadership Style

Once you have made your decision and identified the leadership style that feels right to you, some self-evaluation will be required. How far are you from your ideal?

The good news is that behaviours can be learnt and, through practice, you can adapt the way you lead. The bad news is… it won’t be easy.

Start by:

• Step 1: Outline the type of leader you want to be.
• Step 2: Assess your strengths and weaknesses.
• Step 3: Plan a course of action to make the relevant changes.
• Step 4: Implement them into your professional life.
• Step 5: Correct your behaviour until it becomes instinct.

Soon, you’ll have a clear leadership style to follow and will be able to improve your performance as a result.

No more “new day, new me”, you’ll be acting consistently in a way that empowers your team –  communicating more effectively and forging steadfast relationships across your business.

This article was published as a part of our ongoing series, The Leadership Logs – which  gives top talent the tools they need to navigate unfamiliar and evolving climates.

Our previous piece “How to Tackle Imposter Syndrome” covers the consequences of doubt and explores how to conquer it. You’re not alone in the struggle.

Our next piece, “5 Ways to Bond with Your Team” will grant clear insight into balancing the line between ‘friend’ and ‘boss’. You really can have the best of both worlds.