Leading with Style: How to Identify and Leverage Your Leadership Strengths

Different types of leadership styles

Leadership style refers to the unique approach a leader takes in guiding and influencing others. It encompasses a leader’s behaviors, attitudes, and decision-making processes. Understanding your leadership style is important as it sets the tone for how you interact with your team and ultimately affects their performance and engagement. Here are some examples of common leadership styles:

Autocratic Leadership

Autocratic leaders make decisions without seeking input from their team members. They have full control over the decision-making process and expect their team to follow their instructions without question. While this style can be effective in certain situations, such as emergencies or when quick decisions are required, it can lead to a lack of employee engagement and motivation in the long run.

Democratic Leadership

Democratic leaders involve their team members in the decision making process. They value their input and encourage open communication and collaboration. This leadership style fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among team members, leading to increased job satisfaction and innovation. However, it may not be suitable for situations that require immediate action or when the team lacks the necessary expertise.

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their team members by setting a compelling vision and challenging them to exceed their own expectations. They focus on individual growth and development, creating a supportive and empowering work environment. This leadership style is particularly effective in driving change and achieving high levels of engagement and performance.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Laissez-faire leaders adopt a hands off approach, allowing their team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. They provide minimal guidance and intervention, trusting their team’s abilities and expertise. This style can be effective when working with highly skilled and self-motivated individuals, but it may lead to a lack of direction and accountability if not managed properly.

Servant Leadership

Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their team members and work to support and empower them. They focus on building strong relationships, creating trust, and giving the necessary resources and support for their team to succeed. This style promotes a positive work culture and encourages collaboration and personal growth.

It’s important to note that these leadership styles are not mutually exclusive, and leaders may exhibit a combination of styles depending on the situation and the needs of their team. Understanding your dominant style can help you leverage your strengths and adapt your approach to different circumstances.

Developing your leadership skills

Identifying and understanding your leadership strengths is a crucial step in becoming an effective and influential leader. By recognizing your strengths, you can leverage them to inspire your team, build trust, and achieve exceptional results. Here are some assessment tools and techniques to help you uncover your hidden talents and capitalize on them:

Self-reflection

Take the time to reflect on your experiences as a leader. Think about the situations where you felt most confident and successful. What qualities and skills did you exhibit in those moments?

360 degree feedback

Seek feedback from a variety of sources, including peers, superiors, and subordinates. A 360 degree feedback assessment provides a comprehensive view of your leadership strengths and areas for improvement. It can help you identify blind spots and gain insights from different perspectives. Or show you strength you didn’t know you had.

Personality assessments

Personality assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Big Five personality traits, can provide valuable insight into your leadership style and preferences. These assessments measure various personality dimensions and can help you understand how your natural tendencies align with different leadership approaches.

Observation and listing

Pay attention to how others respond to your leadership style. Observe their reactions, listen to their feedback, and adjust your approach accordingly. This ongoing process of observation and feedback can help you refine your leadership skills and identify areas for growth.

Remember, the goal of assessing your leadership strengths is not to label yourself or fit into a specific mold, but rather to gain self-awareness and identify areas where you can excel as a leader. Embrace your unique strengths and use them to inspire and motivate your team.

Further develop your leadership strengths

Once you have identified your leadership strengths, it’s important to develop and enhance your skills to become an even more effective leader. Here are some strategies to help you grow as a leader:

Seek mentors and coaches

Find mentors or coaches who can provide guidance, support, and feedback on your leadership journey. They can offer valuable insights, challenge your thinking, and help you navigate challenging situations.

Build strong relationships

Cultivate relationships with your team members, colleagues, and other leaders. Invest time in building trust, giving open communication, and creating a supportive work environment. Strong relationships are the foundation of effective leadership.

Practice empathy

Empathy is a crucial skill for leaders. Seek to understand and connect with your team members on a deeper level. Show genuine care and concern for their well-being. This will not only strengthen your relationships but also increase employee engagement and loyalty.

Lead by example

Your actions as a leader speak louder than words. Model the behavior and values you expect from your team. Be accountable, transparent, and ethical in your decision-making. Your team will look to you as a role model and will be more likely to follow your lead.

Look for other resources

There are so many great online courses, books, workshops, groups, and programs to help you build your professional skills and refine your leadership capabilities. Take advantage of those things and the network they provide!

Remember, leadership skills are not developed overnight. It takes time, practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Embrace opportunities for growth and never stop investing in your development as a leader.