Leadership Styles Explained: Types, Examples, and How to Choose the Right One

If you’re leading a team, then one essential component that you might not have considered is selecting the right leadership style. The style you choose can significantly impact your team’s success, so it’s very useful to dial in what would be the right option for your unique situation. 

Whether you're a new leader wanting to start on the right foot or an experienced leader reflecting on your approach, understanding your leadership style is crucial, but don’t panic! This guide will help you explore different leadership styles and find the one that best fits your team and goals.

What Are Leadership Styles?

Leadership styles refer to the different approaches professionals use to guide, manage, and motivate their teams to maximise productivity. There are several unique styles that all change how a leader manages their team, but be careful—not all of them will be applicable to every workplace.

Why Leadership Style Matters in Today’s Workplace

In today’s rapidly changing work climate, selecting the right leadership style is crucial. Adapting your leadership approach ensures that you can navigate challenges effectively while also promoting employee engagement, productivity, and innovation. Fortunately, there are many types of leadership styles, and one or more are sure to suit your needs.

Types of Leadership Style

While there is a variety of different leadership styles that are implemented in the workplaces across the globe, today, some are more commonly implemented than others. Here are seven of the most widely used leadership styles and what makes them unique.

1.Autocratic

An Autocratic leader makes decisions independently and expects team members to follow directives without input. This style is ideal in environments that require quick, decisive action or when navigating crisis situations.

2.Democratic

If you’re using a Democratic leadership style in the workplace, then you’re taking an approach that considers and involves members of the team before making decisions. This is the perfect style for workplaces that thrive on collaboration and creativity.

3.Transformational

One of the most widely used leadership styles for high-performing businesses is Transformational. This style is built upon motivating and inspiring your team to innovate and meet company goals.

4.Transactional

If you’ve worked in the sales space, then you’ve probably encountered a leader using the Transactional leadership style. This is built upon rewards and penalties by meticulously tracking performance and ensuring things are headed in the right direction through a transactional approach.

5.Laissez-Faire

If you’re leading a team of creatives and you fear that intervention could taint the process, then choosing a Laissez-Faire style approach is the way to go. This leadership style is the least hands-on, and ultimately gives autonomy to the team to manage themselves.

6.Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership focuses on nurturing and empowering team members by prioritising their growth and well-being. This approach helps to build trust and is particularly effective in creating engaged, loyal teams.

7.Coaching

You can probably guess this one. The Coaching leadership style focuses on training and mentoring individual members of the team. This is perfect for those managing smaller teams who can tackle each employee on an individual basis.

While the seven leadership styles listed are the most popular, many other approaches exist. Leadership is flexible and can be adapted to fit different team dynamics, situations, and goals. Experimenting with various styles allows leaders to find the most effective methods for inspiring, motivating, and managing their teams, ultimately driving success.

How to Identify Your Own Leadership Style

If you’re already leading a team, then you might be left wondering what style you’ve been running with. The good news is that you don’t need to do anything drastic to find out. No, by simply answering a few questions, you can quickly diagnose your current approach and see where that sits compared to the needs of your business.

1.Reflect on Your Behaviour

Start by thinking back on your experiences interacting with your team. Consider situations where you’ve made key decisions, resolved conflicts, or provided feedback.

2.Observe Your Managerial Approach

Pay attention to your leadership style during day-to-day activities. Make note of the methods you use to manage your team, make decisions, and motivate others.

3.Ask Your Team

A quick way to gather feedback is by asking your team or supervisors how they perceive your leadership. They can provide valuable insights into the impact of your leadership style.

4.Try External Tools

Consider using online tools or leadership style assessments. These can help you gain a clearer understanding of your leadership tendencies and identify areas for growth.

Choosing the Right Leadership Style for Your Team

Selecting the right leadership style for your team and organisation is essential because your approach will both impact team performance and morale. Choosing the wrong style can create confusion, frustration, and ultimately hinder productivity.

For example, a highly directive leadership approach may work in a traditional, structured environment with clear tasks but can reduce creativity and innovation in a more dynamic, collaborative setting. On the other hand, a hands-off leadership style may result in disengagement if your team is not self-motivated or lacks clear direction.

The good news is that there is help available to make sure you’re on the right track. Audit your team’s strengths, challenges, and the goals of your organisation so that you can correctly select the leadership style that is most likely to fit.

Looking for expert leadership training? Contact Corporate Learning Solutions today, and let us help you select and implement the ideal leadership style tailored to your organisation’s unique needs.

Allow Your Leadership Style to Evolve

Keep in mind that just because you’ve adopted one leadership style doesn’t mean it has to remain fixed. Businesses change, as do people, and your leadership style should evolve with them.

If you’re open to changing styles as the situation evolves, then you’re already taking the right step towards success. Adaptive leaders tend to have the most influence on their team, which leads to effective implementation.

Changing your leadership style isn’t about inconsistency—it’s about being responsive and intentional. The best leaders understand the context and adjust their approach accordingly, helping their teams thrive.

Ready to elevate your team leadership? Contact Corporate Learning Solutions today for expert training and personalised strategies that ensure your leaders are equipped to drive success and maximise team potential.