Leadership Styles
There's a style to everything we do, how we speak, how we show up, and how we lead
Style. It can be elusive. What is it, do you have it, and how do you know?
When you think of a favorite or highly respected leader what comes to mind? It might be their expertise and that you can learn specific specialized skills from them, but more than likely it is their leadership style that had a greater impact on you.
Leadership style is about the soft skills, the way you influence, how you show up in different situations, and inspire others to follow.
This week on Learning to Lead the live clubhouse discussions, we talked about the Leadership Styles. You can listen to a full replay of the discussion to hear about the types of leadership styles, how to find your own, and why it matters to you and your team. Here are a few highlights from the discussion:
There are 7 common leadership styles, know them and the difference - Autocratic (do as I say), Authoritative (follow me), Pace Setting (keep up), Democratic (how do you see it?), Coaching (consider this), Affiliative (people come first), and Laissez-Faire (least amount of oversight)
It’s not just your personality - Leadership style is different from your personality, but personality tests can be helpful to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Know who you are before tackling leadership style - take the time to know who you are. Your leadership style needs to be authentic to who you are. This can be a long process, but it is important work!
Practice - as you are developing your own leadership style practice different styles, pay attention to what works and what doesn’t. Accept that you will make mistakes and that is part of the process.
Seek advice and feedback - as you are developing your style ensure you gather advice and feedback from your mentors, team, and colleagues. Knowing the gaps and areas to improve will help you grow.
Flex leadership styles - there is no one size fits all style. Your team members may need different things from you, as well as different situations requiring you to flex.
Communicate your style - It is important to know how to articulate your style to your team and colleagues. In addition to how you describe your style, make time to continue to reiterate and reinforce.
Know what leadership styles work for you - In addition to effectively leading your team, it is important to know what works for you as you select your own leader. Ask questions during interviews to ensure you understand their style and communicate what you need to your existing leader.
Pay Attention to unconscious assignment - It is very easy to assume that everyone works the same way you do. Pay attention to what others need from you and ensure you do not assume they need to same leadership style you do.
Like most things in leadership, understanding leadership styles, developing your own and communicating it takes intention, commitment and work. If you focus on your leadership style it is bound to make you a more effective leader, as well as helping you understand what you need from your current and future leaders.
Quote of the Week
The best leaders don’t know just one style of leadership - they’re skilled at several, and have the flexibility to switch between styles as the circumstances dictate. - Daniel Goleman
Resources
Essentialism - a book by Greg Mckeown about the pursuit of less, and focusing on what matters the most
How to Develop Your Leadership style - advice from Harvard Business Review
Leadership Styles and How to Develop Your Own - an article by Bruna Martinuzzi on common types of leadership styles and how to develop your own
Strengths Finder - a helpful tool to understand your strengths and how to work them. This is also a great tool to use with your team.
Myers-Briggs Personality test - The popular personality test to help you understand more about yourself
Listen to the Full Replay
Events
Women|Future Conference - a 5-day virtual conference from November 1-5, 2021 for engaging connections, professional and personal development, and mental health and financial wellness through motivational keynotes, educational sessions, and networking.
Fast Company Agenda 2022: Rethink, Reimagine, Reinvent - a virtual summit on November 10, 2022 offers a lively glimpse into the new year, with a special emphasis on the way technology will continue to transform and reinvent business, society, and the way we work.
Ted Women Conference December 2021 - a conference about the power of women and girls to be creators and change-makers. The program of speakers, workshops, events — and daring discussions — has sparked some of TED's most iconic moments yet.
DO Lectures Wales July 2022 - a few days that could change your life - "You shouldn't come to the DO Lectures if you aren't willing to say goodbye to the old you." Mills.
Networking
Are you hiring? Send your job to be included in this newsletter and connect with leaders in our network
Are you looking for a new job or opportunity? Keep an eye on the network section of this newsletter going forward.
Next time on Learning to Lead: Interviewing Like a Pro
Join us LIVE in the official Learning to Lead Clubhouse Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 am PT.
Is there a topic you’d like us to cover? Do you have any questions for the Learning to Lead team? Comment or DM me.
If you are enjoying this content:
Consider joining us live Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 am PT on Clubhouse: https://lnkd.in/gh-BR9Uw
Share it with a friend!
Show your appreciation by buying me a coffee