Leadership doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all definition. There are many different leadership styles in management and each plays an important role when it comes to building productive work teams. We can all identify leaders in our lives that stand out as visionaries, others as strategists, and still others as motivators or peacemakers. The list goes on and on. As is often the case in individual departments or in organizations as a whole, no single leader embodies all leadership styles in management and thus will always be more successful at building teams when surrounded by managers with different but just as effective leadership styles.
Let’s take a closer look at ten different styles of leadership within the framework of a single project to see what each leader brings to the table. The ten most common leadership styles in management that help build better teams and impact the success of a project are:
1. Visionaries
Visionary leaders see the big picture. They chart the path ahead and inspire others to follow their lead. But many visionaries don’t have the skill set to create the specific plan that will be required to achieve their vision.
2. Entrepreneurs
Individuals with entrepreneur leadership styles in management have the determination to give the project momentum and turn the visionary’s big idea into a reality. Entrepreneurs give the project focus and communicate how realizing that idea will benefit everyone involved.
3. Strategists
These types of leaders have the ability to break down the big picture into manageable tasks that can be divided amongst the different areas of expertise that exist throughout the organization.
4. Directional leaders
As critical decisions need to be made along the way, the directional leader determines with certainty whether and how best to grow or consolidate resources, and whether to keep going down the same path.
5. Team-makers
Employees with team-maker leadership styles in management understand the strengths and weaknesses of the team and have the ability to gather together a group of employees who, when their talents and skills are combined, move the project forward.
6. Monitors
These types of leaders keep the project on track by setting key milestones and ensuring everyone on the team is moving in the same direction and at the same pace.
7. Motivators
The motivator is skilled at energizing people. This type of leader has the complete trust of the team and sets goals, provides incentives, and rewards achievements along the way.
8. Shepherds
Shepherds have leadership styles in management that are concerned with the welfare of individual team members. They are keenly aware of morale and excel at one-on-one meetings with employees who may be disillusioned with the project or other leaders.
9. Re-engineering leaders
These types of leaders emerge when the project has veered off-track. They are adept at seeing exactly what has gone right, what has gone wrong, how teams can be rearranged, and how strategies can be revived to realize the vision and achieve the goals.
10. Bridge-builders
When re-engineers may have helped set forth a new vision, bridge-builders are quick and skilled at listening, negotiating, compromising, and generally understanding the disparate needs of different employees.
Each of these ten different leadership styles in management is integral in building a cohesive team to achieve the project’s goals and ultimately propel the organization forward. One of the keys to effective management is recognizing the strengths of employees and empowering them to implement their own leadership styles.
Melissa Krivachek is President of Briella Arion is deeply & passionately committed to the growth & effectiveness of leaders, teams, and organizations. Melissa is a High Caliber Leadership, Sales, and Personal Growth Expert, Author, Speaker, Coach, and Life Enthusiast! To IGNITE your Purpose, Presence, Passion, & Profit visit Briellaarion.com or Ignite-Leadership.com.
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