Leadership Styles

A few different forms of Leadership and how to recognize them

What is a leader?

From Webster’s Dictionary:A leader is a first or principal performer of a group. Somebody who has a commanding authority or influence for whoever they represent, whether it be a party, or a team, or even a country

Leadership is a mix of knowledge, values, skills, and behaviors.

Some Characteristics of a Leader

Future-Focused

Always looking for Improvement

Pushes Boundaries

Does what is Needed

Passes on Leadership

Examples of Leaders

Winston ChurchillCourageous leader in Europe for World War II

Nelson MandelaBecame first black South African leader

King Richard IIIMade English official language of England

Billy LevereHelped modernize the Fraternity

Styles of Leadership

Directing/TellingEffective when members are unwilling and unable

Provides guidance and structure for the group

Directs group members on who, what, when, and where to do tasks

Feeling or relationships with the group are not explored much

Styles of Leadership

Coaching/Selling LeaderEffective when members are willing but unable

Group is a little more responsible and willing

Assists group in tasks they are inexperienced in

Provides plenty of encouragement and inspiration

Always motivating the group

Styles of Leadership

Participating/Supportive LeaderEffective when members are unwilling but able

Make decisions with members

Carry out tasks together

More emphasis on relationships and feelings with members

Members feel important because of moral support and encouragement

Styles of Leadership

Delegating/Trusting LeaderEffective when members are able and willing

Delegates tasks for members to do

Trusts the group to carry out tasks

Observes from distance

How to Choose Leadership Style

No leadership style is appropriate for every situation

Know your preferred style and how others perceive you

Practice switching from different styles

Know your groupAbilities

Knowledge

Willingness

In Summary

If this topic interests you, spend some more time researching on the internet – there are tons of resources

Knowing yourself and capabilities as well as those of the people you may lead is critical

Lastly, do not be afraid to admit you were wrong – leaders can admit when they messed up and keep going.