Leadership isn’t about copying and pasting what the media deems as “successful.” Leadership is about defining your leadership style by understanding your strengths, values, and the unique traits that shape how you guide others. It’s a journey of self-discovery that can transform how you lead and inspire your team. When I first stepped into a leadership role, I felt lost. I tried mimicking other leaders, but it never felt authentic. That’s when I realized the importance of developing my own approach.
Why Defining Your Leadership Style Matters
Your leadership style impacts every aspect of your work – from how you communicate to how you make decisions. It shapes team dynamics and influences organizational culture.
Research shows there’s a strong connection between your personal values and leadership style. As Scott Knutson, founder of Leading2Serve, discovered, getting feedback from peers and colleagues helped him shift his approach to better align with his values. Defining your style isn’t about fitting into a box. As Michelle Duval, CEO of Fingerprint for Success, points out, “Humans don’t fit into neat little boxes.” It’s about understanding your natural tendencies and intentionally developing your leadership approach.
Common Leadership Styles
While there are many leadership frameworks, some common styles include:
| Style | Description |
| Democratic | Encourages team input and consensus-building |
| Authoritative | Provides clear vision and direction |
| Transformational | Inspires and motivates through a shared vision |
| Servant | Focuses on supporting and empowering team members |
Each style has its strengths. For instance, a democratic leadership style works well for creative projects that benefit from diverse input. However, certain situations might require adapting your approach, such as when making difficult decisions or even creating rewards and punishments for yourself/
How to Define Your Leadership Style
Ready to define your leadership style? Here are some steps to guide you:
1. Reflect on Your Values
Your core values shape how you become an effective leader. What will inspire and motivate you? Integrity? Innovation? Collaboration? Open communication is essential for any leader who wants to create a positive company culture.
Mark W Lamplugh Jr., CEO at South Jersey Treatment Management Company, found his leadership style heavily influenced by his value of shared decision-making. Understanding what truly motivates you can be instrumental in shaping how you inspire and motivate others. Consider seeking feedback from those around you, as they may offer insights into how your values are perceived in action.
2. Assess Your Strengths
What are you naturally good at? Are you a visionary thinker or a detail-oriented executor? Do you excel at building relationships or analyzing data to inform your decisions? Tools like Gallup’s CliftonStrengths for Leaders can help you identify your innate talents and apply them to your leadership.
For example, I know that I have strong emotional intelligence and create strong relationships.
3. Consider Your Experience
Your past experiences shape your leadership approach. Think about times you’ve led projects or initiatives – what worked well? What could have been done differently? Connor Gillivan, CMO at TrioSEO, started experimenting with leadership styles in college, allowing him to refine his approach over time.
4. Seek Feedback
Others often see things in us that we miss. Asking for specific, constructive feedback from your team whether you have a big or small team. Bhavik Sarkhedi, CMO at Write Right, credits feedback as crucial in developing his leadership style.
5. Take Leadership Assessments
Various leadership assessments can offer insights into your natural tendencies and preferred ways of working. Tools like MindTools’ What’s Your Leadership Style? quiz can provide valuable self-awareness, helping you understand your strengths and areas for growth as a leader.
Defining Leadership Authentically
Defining your leadership style isn’t about picking one approach and sticking to it rigidly. It’s about understanding your natural inclinations and consciously developing a style that aligns with your values and strengths. As you become more self-aware, you can start to see how your personality types influence your leadership. Embrace these aspects of yourself, as they contribute to what makes your style unique.
Gauri Manglik, CEO of Instrumentl, emphasizes the importance of authenticity in leadership. Being true to yourself allows you to lead with confidence and inspire trust in your team. Remember, your leadership style will evolve as you face new situations and challenges. Don’t be afraid to adjust your approach when needed, keeping the lines of open communication flowing with your team.
As Inge Von Aulock, CEO of Top Apps, notes, high self-awareness is key to being a good leader. Regularly reflect on your approach and be open to growth. Leaders develop by encouraging team members to share their perspectives and ideas, creating a culture of mutual respect and collaboration.
Putting Your Leadership Style into Action
Once you’ve started to define your leadership style, it’s time to put it into practice:
- Communicate your style to your team: Transparency helps your team understand your expectations and how you prefer to work together.
- Align your actions with your values: Ensure your behavior as a leader reflects the principles you believe in.
- Seek ongoing feedback and be open to adjustments: Regularly check in with your team, soliciting honest feedback, and be willing to adapt based on their input.
- Continue learning and developing your leadership skills: Embrace opportunities for professional growth and seek resources to further develop your leadership capabilities, while helping your own team members adapt their leadership styles.
Remember, leadership is a journey. As you grow and face new challenges, your style may evolve. Stay true to your core values while remaining flexible in your approach. Regularly evaluate your methods and seek out new information and perspectives to enhance your leadership effectiveness. Consider the individual needs and goals of your team members, providing opportunities for them to develop their skills and reach their full potential to meet their goals.
FAQs about define your leadership style
How do you describe your leadership style?
To describe your leadership style, reflect on how you typically interact with your team, make decisions, and handle challenges. Consider whether you tend to be more directive or collaborative, how you motivate others, and what values guide your actions as a leader. Think about the legacy you want to build and how your leadership can have a positive impact on those around you.
What are the four types of leadership styles?
While there are many leadership frameworks, four common styles are: Autocratic (directive), Democratic (participative), Laissez-faire (delegative), and Transformational (inspirational). Each has its strengths and is suited to different situations and team dynamics. By understanding the attributes of each style, you can begin to see which resonates most closely with your natural tendencies.
What is your best leadership style?
The best leadership style for you aligns with your personal values, strengths, and the needs of your team and organization. It’s often a blend of different approaches, adapted to specific situations. The key is to be authentic and effective in guiding your team towards its goals. It’s important to recognize that no one leadership style that works is inherently “better” than others; it’s about finding what works best for you and the people you lead.
What are the 5 leadership styles and definitions?
Five common leadership styles are: 1) Autocratic: leader makes decisions without input, 2) Democratic: leader encourages team participation in decision-making, 3) Laissez-faire: leader delegates and provides minimal direction, which is also known as transactional leadership 4) Transformational: Being a transformational leader and showcasing transformational leadership, inspires and motivates through a compelling vision, and 5) Servant: similar to democratic leadership, leader focuses on meeting the needs of the team. It’s beneficial to explore the nuances of each style, as they offer valuable frameworks for understanding different approaches to leadership.
Conclusion
To define your leadership style is to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth. It’s about understanding your strengths, values, and experiences, and using them to develop an authentic approach to leading others. Remember, there’s no one “right” way to lead. The best leadership style is one that feels genuine to you and effectively inspires and guides your team. As you continue to grow and face new challenges, don’t be afraid to adapt and evolve your style. Leadership is a lifelong learning process, and the most effective leaders are those who remain open to growth and change.
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