Which Leadership Style is best?

There are a lot of leadership styles and a range of ways people choose to lead. Is there one that is the best to lead with, and what if that is not your ‘natural’ style?  

The UK Center for Army Leadership has a simple and effective way that they explain leadership styles which range from transactional to transformational which we have adapted to suit the civilian working world.  

Which one do you feel most comfortable or natural with? 

 For most people in our community, the participative or coaching style resonates as the most comfortable style. The good news is, there is no right or best style, they are all important and needed, depending on the situation. The key to leadership today is to be adaptable and not get too fixed on one style.  

How do we get better?

—> Practice <—

It might feel uncomfortable at first but leadership is a skill that can be practiced.  

So have a look at the styles again, and see which one you will practise first. You might like to pick one that is just one step away from your most comfortable style first. Find a buddy and role play a conversation in each of the different styles.  

If you want to develop your team in new styles, set up some lunch and practice session to test out the different styles or add it as an activity in your next team meeting. Have fun with it, role play something frivolous like leading someone to choosing a weird flavour of ice cream, exaggerate the styles! 

Practice usually feels uncomfortable at first, and with continued practice you may surprise yourself at how you and your team develop into new styles.  

Happy practising! 

Felicity