Have you ever wondered why some leaders inspire, motivate, and achieve exceptional results, while others struggle to connect with their teams? The answer lies in leadership styles and the environment they create. 

Leadership styles are the unique approaches and behaviours leaders employ to guide and influence their teams. Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee identified six distinct leadership styles in their book, “Primal Leadership.” Each of the styles impact people’s emotions and the workplace environment in different ways, and each has strengths and weaknesses in different situations.

Four of these styles (Visionary, Coaching, Affiliative, and Democratic) promote harmony and positive outcomes. The other two (Commanding and Pacesetting) can deliver short term outcomes but are likely to create an atmosphere of tension and disharmony and therefore should only be applied in limited circumstances.

The key principle here is flexibility. Leadership is not a one-size-fits all approach. Use the six styles interchangeably – choose the one that best addresses the situation that you’re facing, the people concerned, and the emotions that they’re experiencing. By recognising and leveraging the relevant style, leaders can create a climate that nurtures trust, collaboration, and innovation.

Here are some practical tips for understanding and utilising leadership styles effectively:

  1. Assess your own leadership style: Reflect on your preferred approach and its impact on your team members. Red Sky facilitators are accredited to use Korn Ferry’s Inventory of Leadership Styles. This identifies your most preferred and least preferred styles based on your own perception and it also identifies your most and least preferred styles based on the perception of the people you lead. This helps to identify and provide a basis for addressing any blindspots that have developed over the years.
  2. Flex your style: Adapt your leadership approach to suit the needs of individual team members and the situation at hand.
  3. Communicate clearly: Articulate your expectations, vision, and goals to foster alignment and engagement.
  4. Encourage participation: Create opportunities for open dialogue and input from team members, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility.
  5. Lead by example: Demonstrate the behaviours and values you expect from your team, inspiring them to follow suit.

If you’re eager to dive deeper into understanding leadership styles and creating a climate of success, our Red Sky leadership development programs and team sessions offer valuable insights and practical tools. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of leadership styles and climate and unlock your potential to create extraordinary teams and achieve remarkable results.