Regarding leadership, Toastmasters International made decades of research and analysis on various leaders before eventually defining a set of leadership styles for us to identify in real-life situations.
Understanding and knowing which leadership style is the most appropriate can benefit each one of us.
Let’s take a look at leadership styles as defined below.
- Bureaucratic
This leader stringently establishes and enforces rules. It’s not effective when trying to lead highly skilled individuals, as they often become resentful of micromanagement, but it is most effective when a decision has to be made in a short amount of time. - Authoritative
This leader provides long-term direction and focuses on end-goals. It is less effective when explicit guidance is required and most effective when a change of direction or vision is required. - Innovative
This leader shares a vision of the future and pursues excellence. It will be less effective when risks taken make team members apprehensive, but most effective when solving complex problems. - Pacesetting
This leader expects those he leads to embrace new projects and move with speed. It can be ineffective if used over a long period of time and effective when team members are self-motivated and highly skilled. - Democratic
This style relies on consensus decision-making. It is less effective when the leader has difficulty giving negative feedback and performance is not emphasized, and it is effective in increasing morale, repairing broken trust, and working through stressful circumstances. - Coaching
This leader concentrates on preparing individuals for the future by building skills. This style is less effective when those being coached are adverse to change and most effective in a one-on-one setting when the person being coached is receptive to the close working relationship of this leadership style. - Altruistic
This leader personalizes approaches to meet the individualized needs of the team. It can be ineffective if not given sufficient time to apply a long-term perspective, and effective in creating a positive culture and promoting high morale - Affiliative
This leaders’ objective is to create a cohesive unit by emphasizing teamwork and harmony. It is less effective when the leader has difficulty giving negative feedback and performance is not emphasized. This style is effective in increasing morale, repairing broken trust, and working through stressful circumstances.
Per the description, you may find that the best leadership style is situational. There is no ‘one fits all’ formula at all.
If there is not the best leadership style, it means it should be something else as a universal rule of thumb!!!
Then what is it???
Here are some qualities good leaders should have:
- Being a good communicator
Communicating expectations, goals, and plans with others in a direct, concise, and thoughtful manner will help you successfully lead your people to achieve your objectives. - Enthusiastic and supportive
People are more likely to follow the lead of those they like, and enthusiasm and support towards others would absolutely pull them closer to you. The best leaders are well-spoken, approachable and friendly. They show sincere care for others. - Hunting down the goals
Success is an irreplaceable part of leading people. Dare to say, who likes being led to failure all the time, so hitting off the milestones is unarguably necessary to define a good leader.
Are you curious about how to become a good leader?
Are you aspiring to stand out in the crowd?
Are you wondering where you can obtain such knowledge and skills?
WE TOASTMASTERS CAN HELP YOU!!!
Toastmasters International, where leaders are made!!!