Being a good leader is not just about giving orders and that's it. It involves having a deep understanding of how you inspire and motivate others. Knowing what types of leadership there are , when to exercise them, and how to do it is crucial to the success of any leader.
There are different types of business leadership that can be classified according to the degree of authority, participation and motivation that the leader exerts over his followers. Each style has its advantages and disadvantages, and can be adapted to different contexts and situations. Below, we explain 6 types of leadership that you can apply in your company.
Autocratic leadership
Autocratic leadership is characterized by the leader's total control over his team . The leader makes all decisions independently and without consulting anyone. He imposes his rules and criteria and expects others to follow them without question.
This type of leadership can be effective list of telegram users in korea when quick and decisive action is required or when the team does not have enough experience or confidence to participate. However, it can also lead to a lack of commitment, motivation and innovation in the team, as well as high turnover and a tense work environment.
Basically, this type of leadership is the equivalent of being an authoritarian or a dictator in your company. By not allowing consensus on opinions and thinking that only yours is valid, you will be affecting the growth of the talent that makes up your work team. That is why everyone runs away from this type of leader!
Democratic leadership
Democratic leadership is based on the active participation of team members in decision-making. The leader seeks the opinions and contributions of others before making a decision, respecting their points of view and suggestions. In this way, he or she fosters an environment of collaboration, trust and mutual respect.
This form of leadership can be beneficial when a well-informed, consensual decision is needed or when the team has a high level of competence and commitment. However, it can also lead to a loss of time, a lack of clarity or difficulty in reaching an agreement.
Experts agree that it is important to know how to use this type of leadership, since if applied at the right times it can help teams grow and motivate them.
Man with folders under his arm exercising leadership in his company
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership is based on an exchange between the leader and the collaborators. The leader establishes clear expectations and offers tangible rewards in exchange for the desired performance. He also monitors the completion of tasks and can sanction errors or non-compliance.
It can also be useful when you are looking for an efficient and standardized execution of activities or when the team responds well to external incentives. However, it can also limit the creativity, initiative and loyalty of the team, as well as generate dependence on the leader.
Likewise, it requires the use of incentives to motivate workers, such as bonuses, prizes, etc.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leadership focuses on inspiring and motivating team members to achieve goals beyond their personal interests. The leader communicates a clear and shared vision, stimulates innovation, positive change, and personal and professional development. In addition, the leader recognizes the value and potential of each individual.
This type of leadership can be beneficial when the goal is to achieve a high level of team performance, satisfaction and commitment, or when the environment is dynamic and competitive. However, it can also involve a risk of idealization or disappointment of the leader or a lack of attention to details or processes.
In a balanced way, transformational leadership can be a great tool to achieve holistic development of employees.
Situational Leadership
As the name implies, situational leadership adapts to the situation and the needs of the team at a particular moment . The leader adjusts his or her style based on the level of competence and commitment of the team members, as well as the urgency or complexity of the task. In this way, the leader can offer guidance, support, delegation or empowerment as appropriate.
This can be useful when dealing with heterogeneous or changing teams or when facing different challenges or scenarios. However, it can also make it difficult for the leader to identify and apply the appropriate style.
Even if it is not applied with the correct timing, it can represent an inconsistency or create confusion for work teams.
Strategic Leadership
Strategic leadership focuses on long-term vision, planning, and adaptability to changes in the business environment. Leaders seek to position the company competitively and anticipate future trends. To do so, they analyze the market, define objectives, design strategies, and evaluate results.
This type of leadership may be appropriate when the aim is to achieve sustained growth and a competitive advantage for the company, or when a transformation or reorientation of the business is required.