Have you ever thought about what your leadership style is?

If you haven’t—or just want to learn more—this week’s article is for you.

We’ll review a range of leadership styles and you’ll have the chance to see which one(s) are most similar to how you operate.

Why is knowing your leadership style important?

Knowing and understanding your leadership style allows you to maximise on your strengths and become aware of potential weaknesses and blind spots.

When you know yourself well as a leader, you can fine-tune your style to be most effective for what works for you.

8 leadership styles. Which is yours?

The Harvard Business Review recently identified eight leadership archetypes, using data and analysis from a study of more than 1,000 senior executives.

To understand your leadership approach, review the styles below to see what most commonly matches your style.

Which one of the styles below reads most like you?

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]Leadership Style*[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]Defining Characteristics[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]1. Collaborator[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Coaching oriented
• Desire to build teams
• Empathetic

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]2. Energiser[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Charismatic
• Inspiring and emotionally connected
• Ties the work to a deeper meaning

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]3. Pilot[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Visionary and strategic
• Open to feedback and input
• Team-oriented

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]4. Provider[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Confident and action-oriented
• Loyal to employees
• Provides for employees and teammates

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]5. Harmoniser[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Creates positive work environments and relationships
• Reliable and execution-focused
• Seeks high-quality work

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]6. Forecaster[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Knowledgeable and visionary
• Learning-oriented
• Cautious and deliberate

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]7. Producer[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Task-oriented
• Focuses on results
• Holds tradition in high regard

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″]8. Composer[/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

• Innovative and independent
• Decisive and self-reliant
• Seeks to solve problems

[/vc_column][/vc_row]

 

*These styles are reflective of work done in tandem with the Harvard Business Review

Now, you may fit perfectly into one of these categories, or you may be a combination of a few different styles.

“Recognising all your styles, and learning when to use which, can help you succeed in a wider variety of leadership contexts,” shares the Harvard Business Review.

How to optimise performance based on your leadership style

Now that you have a better idea of what your leadership style is, consider:

• How can I use my strengths to better motivate my team?
• What qualities can I employ when collaborating with key decision makers?
• What traits can I employ when influencing key decision makers?
• What might I need to avoid doing in order to maintain positive work relationships and effective work processes?

Taking the necessary time to reflect

Just by reviewing the information in this email, you’re taking the time to refine your leadership skills.

And that pays off.

You’re setting yourself apart from other leaders, and creating a lasting legacy.

You’re not just leading, you’re leading thoughtfully and intentionally.

Any questions?

If you have questions on this topic or any others, feel free to reach me by email or set up a free one-on-one consultation session, or drop me a comment below.

Thanks for sharing!