This month we are focusing on Leadership!

By the way – we now have a monthly Bespoker Toolkit Program where we drip feed one super useful tool a month with a live online coaching of the tool and also general coaching queries following the call. You can access these through our monthly Bespoke Circle retainer programs or our Leadership Development Program.

Want to find out more – respond back to this email with tell me more! This month’s VIP tool is Leadership Lid.  

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) you most identify with.

Why is knowing your leadership style important?

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

When you know yourself well as a leader, you can fine-tune your style to be most effective in your work environment.

The Harvard Business Review has 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.

1. Collaborator

 You

• Are coaching oriented
• Have a desire to build teams
• Are empathetic

2. Energiser

 You

• Are charismatic
• Are inspiring and emotionally connected
• Tie your work to a deeper meaning

3. Pilot

 You

• Are visionary and strategic
• Are open to feedback and input
• Are team-oriented

4. Provider

 You

• Are confident and action-oriented
• Are loyal to employees
• Provide for employees and teammates

5. Harmoniser

 You

• Create positive work environments and relationships
• Are reliable and execution-focused
• Seek high-quality work

6. Forecaster

You

• Are knowledgeable and visionary
• Are learning-oriented
• Are cautious and deliberate

7. Producer

 You

• Are task-oriented
• Focuse on results
• Hold tradition in high regard

8. Composer

You

• Are innovative and independent
• Are decisive and self-reliant
• Seek to solve problems

*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 identify with a combination of 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.