Leadership Styles

Hey everybody! 

This week, we are discussing different leadership styles. Below are a few types of leadership we learned about last semester at UNI. I wanted to highlight the four styles that stuck with me the most. However, there are a few others that I am not mentioning, which does not mean they are not important. I just want to discuss the following four since I think they are the most popular within the business world. Let’s dive in!

The following styles are in no particular order. 

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders are those who want to bring a change to the organization long term. This style is the most effective way to do that. They help people and the organization by connecting with their followers and inspiring them to be the best version of themselves. (I guess by creating this blog, I am being a transformational leader.) These leaders try to establish a creative atmosphere and one that their followers enjoy being a part of. They want to see each person grow throughout their journey and encourage them with their vision for the future.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Laissez-faire leaders only really step in when they are needed. However, that does not mean that they are neglecting their work. They want to be a leader that is not hovering around their employees but instead giving them the control to do what they want within their job description. Followers who have this type of leadership in their organization do not have someone they need approval or input from and can make their own decisions, which takes trust in the organization. These leaders do however provide others with all of the resources a person would need, but give them in an unforced manner. 

Charismatic Leadership

Charismatic leaders are excellent communicators and listeners. They explain their vision to their followers in a way that is influencing and encouraging. Emotional connection is important to these leaders because they rely on it to influence others to see their vision. These leaders are great public speakers, and often time use stories as a persuasion method. After they persuade others of their vision they are completely focused on the outcome rather than the journey. 

Servant Leadership

Servant leaders are focused on everyone else’s needs rather than their own, mainly their employees and customers. They also take into consideration growth within an organization and the employees. Servant leaders are so focused on the needs of their followers, that they impact their lives in a positive way. They teach their followers instead of telling them, truly emphasizing their need to see them be successful. 

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, these are not all of the types of leadership. Along with that, not every leader fits into one of these categories. Some leaders could use shared leadership or even ethical leadership. Some leaders may even be a mix of a few. Overall not every leadership style is perfect, they all have their drawbacks. However, finding the style that best suits you and your organization/goals is the only one that matters at the end of the day. 

-Brea 

Sources:

https://leaders.com/articles/leadership/transformational-leadership/
https://leaders.com/articles/leadership/leadership-styles/