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There are as many different leadership styles as there are leaders, but here is a list of leadership styles often utilized in combination, or switched, according to the situation.

1. Autocratic – This leadership style is characterized by a wielding of absolute control, accepting little or no input from team members.
2. Bureaucratic – This style is very structured, going strictly by whatever rules and standards may be in place.
3. Charismatic – This leader tends to inspire team members to follow their example.
4. Democratic – Rather than directing, this style encourages participation by all members in making decisions.
5. Laissez-faire – A very “laid back” leadership, this style is non-controlling; allowing team members a great deal of latitude, while simply monitoring their progress.
6. People/relationship – Sometimes referred to as “team-building”, this style is very participative, and is focused on developing the members as individuals, and the team as an entity.
7. Servant – This leadership style tends to cast the leader in a support role, simply providing for the needs of the team, without taking an active leadership role.
8. Task-oriented – This style tends to appear autocratic, but is more focused on achieving the task at hand, than on maintaining control over the team members. A “get ‘er done” style.
9. Transactional – This is almost more of a management style than a leadership style. It is very task-oriented, offering reward/punishment for success/failure.
10. Transformational – This is another inspirational style, but focusing more heavily upon a vision, rather than just the example of the leader. Members trust the leader and are inspired by his vision of their goal.

While the transformational leadership style is widely considered to be the most preferable, it is certainly not the most appropriate in all situations. Typically, leaders will find themselves either switching between different styles as the situation demands, or combining two or more styles, to best fit the mix of their team. Different project types require different leadership styles, but different team members respond to different styles of leadership, as well. Learning to discern the needs of both the project and the team members is critical, to allow the leader to optimize both short-term and long-term results, and for the development of team members as future leaders. This list of leadership styles should be helpful in selecting the style best suited for you and your team.

Written by: Matt

We also suggest this relevant article if you have time: Situational Leadership by Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey

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