11 Different Types of Leadership Styles and when to use Them

11 Different Types of Leadership Styles and when to use Them

Leadership styles can be a tricky thing to navigate. Sometimes you need to be forceful and take charge in order to get things done, while other times you might need to be more passive and let the team work together harmoniously in order to achieve a common goal.

In this article, we’ll explore ten different types of leadership styles and when you might want to use them.

List of different leadership styles

There are several different types of leadership styles, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of the most common types of leadership styles:

1. Authoritarian:

This type of leadership is based on the principle that one person should be in charge. This person makes decisions without consulting other members of the team, and usually commands great respect from subordinates.

Authoritarian leaders are best suited for situations where there is a clear path to success and where there is little risk of failure.

They are not well suited for situations where there is uncertainty or chaos, or when authority is not clearly defined.

2. Democratic:

In a democratic leadership style, everyone on the team has an equal say. The leader convenes team meetings to get input from all members, and makes decisions based on the collective wisdom of the group.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where individuals have equal power and opportunity, and where there is a high degree of trust between team members.

Democratic leaders are typically more open to change than authoritarian leaders, which can lead to more innovation in the organization.

3. Participative:

In a participative leadership style, team members work together to come up with solutions to problems. The leader provides resources and guidance but leaves decision-making up to the team.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a lot of ambiguity or uncertainty, and where team members have a shared commitment to the goal.

Participative leaders can be more challenging to lead than other types of leaders, because they require a high degree of trust and cooperation from team members.

4. Cooperative:

In a cooperative leadership style, team members work together to achieve common goals. The leader provides resources and guidance but leaves decision-making up to the team.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a high degree of trust and cooperation between team members.

Cooperative leaders can be more challenging to lead than other types of leaders, because they require a high degree of trust and cooperation from team members.

5. Interactive:

In an interactive leadership style, team members work together to solve problems. The leader provides resources and guidance but allows team members to take the lead in solving problems.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a lot of ambiguity or uncertainty, and where team members have a shared commitment to the goal.

Interactive leaders can be more challenging to lead than other types of leaders, because they require a high degree of trust and cooperation from team members.

6. Managing behavior:

In a managing behavior leadership style, the leader focuses on managing team behavior. This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a lot of uncertainty or chaos, and where team members are not motivated by sharing in the success of the organization.

Managing behavior leaders are typically less open to change than other types of leaders, which can lead to stagnation in the organization.

7. Triarchic:

In a triarchic leadership style, team members are divided into three categories: followers, advisers, and leaders. The leader combines elements of all three roles to best serve the team.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a lot of ambiguity or uncertainty, and where team members have a shared commitment to the goal but no clear authority over other team members.

Triarchic leaders can be more challenging to lead than other types of leaders, because they require a high degree of trust and cooperation from team members.

8. Leader-member exchange theory:

This leadership style is based on the theory that leaders should be able to understand and empathize with the needs of their followers.

Leaders in this style provide support and guidance but allow team members to take the lead in solving problems.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a high degree of trust and cooperation between team members. Leader-member exchange leaders are typically more open to change than other types of leaders, which can lead to innovation in the organization.

9. Visionary:

In a visionary leadership style, team members are inspired by the leader’s vision for the organization. The leader provides resources and guidance but leaves decision-making up to the team.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a high degree of uncertainty or chaos, and where team members have a shared commitment to the goal but no clear authority over other team members.

Visionary leaders are typically less open to change than other types of leaders, which can lead to stagnation in the organization.

10. Synergy:

In a synergy leadership style, team members work together to achieve common goals. The leader provides resources and guidance but allows team members to take the lead in solving problems.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a high degree of trust and cooperation between team members.

Synergy leaders can be more challenging to lead than other types of leaders, because they require a high degree of trust and cooperation from team members.

11. Interpersonal:

In an interpersonal leadership style, team members work together to solve problems. The leader provides resources and guidance but allows team members to take the lead in solving problems.

This type of leadership is best suited for situations where there is a lot of ambiguity or uncertainty, and where team members have a shared commitment to the goal.

Interpersonal leaders can be more challenging to lead than other types of leaders, because they require a high degree of trust and cooperation from team members.

When to use each type of leadership style

There are several different types of leadership styles, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Charismatic leadership is the most common type of leadership, and it is typified by leaders who are charismatic and exciting to work with.

Read also: 6 Ways to Build Leadership Skills – Step-by-Step

They can be very effective in motivating their team members and driving them to achieve goals. However, they can also be very demanding, which can lead to conflict and tension on the team.

authoritarian leadership is a less common type of leadership, but it can be very effective when used correctly.

Authoritarian leaders are tough on their team members, but they also give them clear instructions and expectations. This type of leadership is often used in workplaces where there is a lot of pressure to meet deadlines.

Participative leadership is a type of leadership that combines elements of both charismatic and authoritarian leadership styles.

Participative leaders are good at inspiring their team members and motivating them to work hard, but they also give them more freedom to make decisions. This type of leadership is often used in businesses where there is a lot of creativity on the team.

Consensus leadership is a type of leadership that is based on the idea that the entire team must agree on a decision before it can be made.

Read also: How to Improve Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence as an Entrepreneur

This type of leadership is often used in businesses where there is a lot of pressure to meet deadlines. consensus leaders are good at building relationships with their team members, and they are able to get them to work together towards common goals.

Delegative leadership is a less common type of leadership, and it is typified by leaders who give their team members specific tasks to complete.

Delegative leaders are less demanding than authoritarian leaders, and they are usually better at delegating tasks than leading them. This type of leadership is often used in businesses where there is a lot of autonomy on the team.

Dynastic leadership is a type of leadership that is based on the idea that a single leader can successfully lead a team to success.

Dynastic leaders are usually very charismatic and exciting to work with, but they also have a lot of power and control over their team members. This type of leadership is often used in businesses where there is a lot of competition.

Read also: What is leadership?

Nonexclusive leadership is a type of leadership that is based on the idea that team members can join or leave the team at any time.

This type of leadership is often used in businesses where there is a lot of flexibility and variability on the team.

Flexible leadership is a type of leadership that is based on the idea that teams should be able to adapt to changes in their environment.

This type of leadership is often used in businesses where there is a lot of change and uncertainty on the team.

Collaborative leadership is a type of leadership that combines elements of both participative and authoritarian leadership styles.

Read also: 8 Effective Ways to Improve Entrepreneurial Skills That Matter

Collaborative leaders are good at inspiring their team members and motivating them to work hard, but they also give them more freedom to make decisions. This type of leadership is often used in businesses where there is a lot of creativity on the team.

Each type of leadership has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right style for the situation.

How to use the different types of leadership styles

There are several different types of leadership styles that can be used in different situations.

Face-to-face leadership is often used in small groups where people know each other well. This type of leadership is more personal and allows for more discussion and debate. It is also good for when there is a lot of trust between the leaders and the members of the group.

One-on-one leadership is often used in situations where there are few or no other leaders available. This type of leadership allows the leader to have more control over the situation and the members of the group.

It can be used when it is important to have clear instructions and when it is necessary to get everyone on board with a decision quickly.

Read also: 10 Qualities Female Entrepreneurs Need to Succeed

Group leadership is often used in large groups where it is difficult to get everyone together. This type of leadership allows for more coordination and cooperation between the members of the group.

It can be used when it is important to make sure that everyone understands what needs to be done and when it is necessary to take charge and give orders.

Conclusion

Leadership styles can be incredibly useful in different situations, but it’s important to know when to use which style. In this article, we outline 11 different leadership styles and explain when each might be the best option for you.

From proactive leadership to delegate leadership, there is a style that will fit the situation perfectly. So if you’re ever feeling lost or unsure about what approach to take, give one of these styles a try and see how it goes.

Read more Entrepreneurship Development articles at SugerMint. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn