Not all leaders are the same. In fact, the only thing they all have in common is a willingness to step forward and make something happen.
When you are planning to run a meeting, facilitate a workshop, or chair an event, it helps to think about your style first.
Think of yourself as a Leader at the Center, rather than “the boss.” A loud or dominant personality isn’t required, being well organized and purposeful will bring you greater success. Knowing it all is certainly not necessary, your job is to allow others to contribute.
Your leadership style is formed from your personality. It may be further influenced by great leaders you have known, worked for, or observed. With practice, you’ll be good at adapting your style to the group’s needs.
Which style are you?
- Visionary – This style will serve you well when you need to map the way and set expectations. It’s both engaging and energizing, without being bossy. If your team members are uncertain and need your guidance, this will feel comfortable even if you are new to leading. It’s a great opportunity to share predetermined, common goals, and allow others the choice on how to achieve them.
- Pacesetting – Sometimes you need to be the one who sets the pace. When you have an energetic team, ready to get to work, this style is a great fit. If the goal is to run fast and hard to the finish line, your energy and enthusiasm will be just what the group needs. If you find this is your default mode, be careful, most situations don’t call for a continued fast pace. Look at other styles that may serve you well and save this for the final sprint.
- Fairplay – As you convene with your network of peers this may be your go-to style. Sharing information and encouraging participation are the means to an end. By opening the floor to everyone, you engender trust and promote team spirit. The result is a cooperative team, ready and willing to follow your lead.
- Coaching – Sometimes your role is to help others see possibility or develop their talents. At those times your leadership role is coach. Like a sports coach, you are looking for the best in each team member and helping them develop their talents. You may find this style helpful when you have a new team member or when working together as a team really matters but isn’t happening on its own.
- Collaborative – This is where your true value as a Leader at the Center comes into play. As a collaborative team leader, you bring your communication skills, diverse connections, and desire to convene to the table (or computer screen) to create change. This calls on you to imagine what is possible and inspire others to share the dream.
You could complete this list of leadership styles by adding one to each end. These extremes aren’t included because they are not recommended. At one end is the dictator and at the other is the do-nothing. Avoid them both!