Research by The Ken Blanchard Companies shows that leadership flexibility is a rare skill.
A survey conducted in 2012, looked at the percentage of managers who could successfully use:
Leadership Styles as needed, the diagram below shows the interesting results.
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The common denominator for an effective leader, is that they must have a clear direction. By definition, a leader must be taking their followers somewhere or creating something. A leader with no direction or objective is a manager, maintaining the status quo.
The authoritarian or autocratic leader keeps tight control over their followers. They do this by disciplining the policies, procedures and systems they have put in place. They keep the relationships with their followers strictly professional and are motivated by efficiency.
These leaders behave as a father figure. They have genuine care for the wellbeing of their followers. They develop a loyalty between them and their followers. Workers under this style of leadership can be expected to become completely aligned with what the leader believes.
The Democratic Leader is focussed on social equality and shares the decision making with the followers or workers. They believe that if the followers are empowered to be a part of the outcome design, they will care more about the common cause.
This style of leadership is a hands-off approach. The leader gives complete power of decision making to the workers/followers. This approach works with highly skilled, autonomous workers who value the opportunity to make the decisions and have guidance when requested.
This style of leadership works on rewarding desired behaviour and results and corrective action or punishment when followers deviate from the acceptable performance levels.
A transformational leader works to change or transform their followers needs and redirect their thinking. They motivate and inspire with a strong conviction in the direction they are going. This leader will challenge followers to be more than they think they can be with a sense of purpose and high energy levels.
There are many variations on our list of leadership styles, but the core of all leadership styles is here. If you are interested in becoming a better person and a better leader please don’t hesitate to call Jem Switajewski on 0412 484 448 or email info@leadersinlife.com.au
