1. The Pacesetting Leader: “Do as I do, now.”
• Expects and displays excellence and self-direction. • This style is best applied when the team is already motivated and skilled, and the leader needs quick results. When used extensively, however, a pacesetting leader can overwhelm team members and squelch innovation.
2. The Authoritative Leader: “Come with me.”
• Mobilizes the team toward a common vision and focuses on end goals, leaving the means up to each individual. • Authoritative leadership is best used when the team needs a new vision because circumstances have changed, or when explicit guidance is not required. This leader encourages entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant enthusiasm for the mission.
3. The Coercive Leader: “Do what I tell you.”
• Demands immediate compliance. • Effective in times of crisis, such as in a company turnaround or a takeover attempt, or during an actual emergency like a tornado or a fire. This style can also help control a problem teammate when everything else has failed.
4. The Affiliative Leader: “People come first.”
• Works to create emotional bonds that bring a feeling of bonding and belonging to the organization. • Affiliative leadership is best used in times of stress, when teammates need to heal from a crisis, or when trust needs to be rebuilt.
5. The Coaching Leader: “Try this.”
• Develops people for the future. • This style is best applied when the leader wants to help teammates build personal strengths that make them more successful overall.
6. The Democratic Leader: “What do you think
?”
• Builds consensus through participation. • Effective when the leader needs the team to buy into or have ownership of a decision, plan, or goal, or if he or she is uncertain and needs fresh ideas from qualified teammates.