What are the types of leadership?

There are many different types of leadership. These include autocratic, transformational, relationship-driven, participative, and behavioral. Many authors have proposed identifying various types of leadership styles. Here are a few examples of each style:

Autocratic

Autocratic leadership is a style of leadership where a leader makes the final decisions. This type of leadership style is most effective in time-sensitive situations. It is also beneficial in environments where the quality of work is important.

Autocratic leaders are able to work quickly, and they can communicate effectively within an organization. They reduce the amount of confusion and disruptions in productivity. However, autocratic leaders have to be very knowledgeable and have high levels of expertise.

If you are considering using the autocratic style of leadership, it’s best to evaluate your team’s needs. When assessing your employees’ capabilities, set boundaries and define parameters that will help them perform to their best ability.

Listen to the core group

An effective autocratic leader should also listen to what their core group has to say. Their ideas will often be innovative, and they can help develop new approaches to succeed.

The best autocratic leaders also understand how to motivate their subordinates. They can encourage their teams to work harder and become more efficient. As long as the team is committed, they can achieve success.

An autocratic style of leadership also benefits an organization when a crisis occurs. This style allows the organization to make rapid decisions to adapt to the situation.

In some cases, a company’s manufacturing contracts may require that it adopt the autocratic management process. These types of policies can also be used by the military.

Autocratic leadership can be a great tool to use in some industries, such as retail and banking. However, it may not be the most effective style in other fields.

Autocratic leadership is a good option for organizations that have a tight budget, as it is a cheaper way to make fast and decisive decisions. However, it can also be demoralizing at times.

Participative

Participative styles of leadership are a great way to improve employee relations and motivate your workforce. Studies have found that adopting this style can make employees happier and more productive. In addition, it can help organizations reduce turnover and absenteeism.

The theory of human motivation, which first came into use in 1943, explains human behavior by examining human motivation based on their needs and personality. According to this theory, participative styles of leadership are the best.

Research has shown that engaged employees are much more likely to stick with a company’s policies. Furthermore, they are also more likely to execute those policies. They are also more likely to enjoy their jobs. This can result in cost savings for the company.

Inspire teamwork

One of the best reasons to adopt participatory leadership is its ability to inspire teamwork. It can create a cohesive organizational culture. Similarly, it can foster creative thinking and problem solving.

Despite its benefits, there are also challenges associated with adopting this style. For instance, it can be a slow process. Also, it is not applicable to every organization.

Nevertheless, it can be beneficial if you find the right environment. A study has found that the post-1986 generation is more open to performance-oriented and participative leadership styles.

Although more research is needed, the results of the study suggest that these styles are useful in a wide range of business settings. Additionally, it is possible to blend these leadership styles in order to achieve effective leadership. Likewise, it is possible to combine them to create a highly motivated and productive workforce.

Participatory leadership is a great concept that can be applied to both large and small companies. When you combine the principles of the various leadership styles, you can create a truly transformative business environment.

Transformational

Transformational styles of leadership are crucial to influencing innovative work behavior. This style of leadership is also beneficial in a variety of environments outside the corporate world.

In addition to improving performance, transformational leaders have the capacity to inspire and engage followers. They are known to motivate people to take action and to become committed to their goals. Transformational leaders also have the ability to influence their followers to overcome their own personal interests.

While a leader may not always choose to employ the transformational style, it is important to remember that they can provide the best results in the most beneficial situations. A study by Solomon (2016) reported a positive association between transformational and transactional styles of leadership and employee performance.

The association between the styles of leadership and the outcome behaviors was consistent between two national samples. Laissez-faire leadership styles were negatively correlated with task performance in Ethiopia and South Korea, and had no significant relationship with innovative work behavior. However, the association between the transformational and transactional styles was significant.

High moral standards

One of the benefits of using a transformational style of leadership is that it is characterized by high moral standards. Leaders who use this style are also viewed as role models by their followers.

Unlike transactions, transformational leadership is aimed at creating positive change in followers. In this style, a leader encourages the group to challenge the status quo, and to seek creative solutions to the organization’s problems.

Transactional leadership, on the other hand, is focused on setting clear expectations and monitoring performance. It requires a clear set of roles and rewards for each employee. Typically, a financial reward is offered to individuals in exchange for their work.

Behavioral theory

The behavioral theory of leadership is a theory that focuses on the actions of a leader. It is a model that suggests that a person can become a good leader if they learn certain behaviors.

Behavior is the behavior of an individual, and it is influenced by genetics, society, and even emotions. Using the behavioral theory of leadership as a guide, managers can learn to use their skills to their advantage.

Behavioral theories suggest that there are two main categories of behaviors – people-oriented and production-oriented. People-oriented leaders focus on the people within the organization. They are often concerned with team morale and empowerment.

Unlike the trait theory of leadership, which was based on personality markers, the behavioral theory of leadership emphasizes how leaders actually behave. Researchers study these behaviors and determine which are most effective.

Anyone can learn and thrive

A key point of the behavioral theory of leadership is that any one can learn these behaviors. Some leaders may already have these traits, while others will have to develop them.

While the behavioral theory of leadership is a useful tool, it lacks the ability to guide managers during crisis situations. Additionally, it is a poor fit for fast-changing environments.

Many argue that the behavioral theory of leadership oversimplifies the complex aspects of leadership. That said, it is an easy way for managers to gain insight into the different leadership styles, and it helps them to make appropriate decisions.

Various leaders are categorized into the task-oriented and people-oriented. Task-oriented leaders take into consideration team goals, processes, and the resources needed to achieve them. These individuals also monitor and adjust processes, monitor progress, and provide alternate tools to aid team members.

People-oriented leaders are more likely to engage with their teams. They often communicate directly with team members, ask questions, offer suggestions, and discuss issues.

Relationship driven

Relationship-oriented leadership is a people-oriented leadership style that focuses on supporting work groups and providing employees with the skills they need. This type of leadership also helps team members achieve their goals, motivates team members, and provides positive workplace climates.

Relationship-based leadership is becoming more common in modern workplaces. These leaders seek constructive criticism from employees and provide timely feedback. They may appear weak, but they are more tolerant and less impulsive when dealing with employees.

Relationship-driven leadership combines the power of meaningful connections with the wisdom of knowing what each employee’s strengths and weaknesses are. It is a more effective approach than task-based or reward-based leadership styles.

Creating great work environments

Relationship-based leadership is best for creating healthy, productive, and collaborative work environments. The leader will take time to learn and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each employee. The leader will also encourage teamwork and build consensus.

Relationship-driven leadership is especially helpful in retaining employees. When staff members feel that their leader understands and appreciates them, they become loyal followers. Providing support and encouragement, relationship-oriented leaders help employees become self-actualized.

Another style of relationship-based leadership is democratic leadership. This style puts employees at the center of the decision-making process. Involving employees in company decisions increases engagement, motivation, and productivity.

Depending on the situation, this type of leadership can lead to increased innovation and creativity. However, it can be difficult for some employees to accept. And it may not be the right style for a company with ambitious goals.

In order to be successful, leaders need to be aware of their own style. Using a blend of the relationship-oriented and task-based leadership styles is the best way to create a successful team.

If you like what you read, check out our other leadership articles here.