The Leader

"A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way, & shows the way" - John C. Maxwell

Everyone has a different view and definition of leadership. For some people, it is motivation, for others it is all about results, while one may take it as a source of inspiration. Every field has different needs and dynamics of leadership. It is not a set of defined rules or frame of laws that can be learned and implemented like a formula. In this piece of writing, we shall discuss different types of leadership and try to understand their impact. Before we move ahead, we should be clear that leadership is a process, rather than an act or a set of acts. Below are some recognized leadership styles.

Transformational / Quiet Leadership: 

In transformational leadership, a leader works with its team to identify required change/s and tries to create a vision to implement the change by inspiring and executing the change with a group of committed members. Transformation leader acts as a mentor and a coach rather than a boss. He assigns work that is based on talent and interest of his team by challenging their comfort zones. Nelson Mandela is the best ex - ample to understand the traits of a transformational leader. No doubt, it is almost impossible to change even a small company but Nelson Mandela transformed the whole continent. 

Democratic / Shared Leadership: 

This leadership style is fit for all types of set up/s, either business or non-business because under this leadership style every team member gets the opportunity to think, express and act freely. This leadership style is considered the most effective and productive as each team member gets involvement. It is very important to know that Democrat leaders value flexibility and adaptation. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy are the best examples to know about Democratic leadership; the people who know when to pass the torch.

Autocratic / Authoritarian Leadership: 

This is the least admired leadership style, but even then it is opted where the management wants error free results. In this type of leadership, the leader makes all decisions solely, without the involvement of his team mates. A very famous saying ‘My Way or The Highway’ is the best description of this leadership style. Despite all these, if organizations want to meet stringent timelines and secure their tasks or projects with quick decision making, then this style of leadership is ideal. On the other hand, the Autocratic Leadership style has no room for team building, creativity and open communication. Donald Trump, Martha Stewart and Leona Helmsley are the best examples of this type of leadership.

Bureaucratic Leadership: 

We can also call it a government operation running style, where everything is predefined. Rules, regulations, along with procedures are set to follow and reporting lines are clear. Obviously this does not happen in business but every sector has its own dynamics. Rules designed for the public sector cannot be applied in the private sector. This style basically helps to smooth the daily course of operations. The teams or individuals working in this environment don’t need to think much and work creatively, as they are not asked to do so.

Laissez-Faire / Delegative Leadership: 

Leaders opting the above mentioned type believe in their team and have faith that when people are given the opportunity to work independently, they become more productive as they feel ownership. This leadership style is only possible with a team of smart people, as they know the art of making their way through difficult times and it also gives freedom to them with all the necessary support and resources. Most of the time, in this leadership style the team members are more equipped and knowledgeable than their group head. Warren Buffett is the most suitable example of this type of leadership.

Transactional / Managerial Leadership: 

Where the competition is tough, timeline is lifeline and result is the touch base; transactional leadership is the best way to lead and thrive. In this type of leadership everything is defined and target oriented, short term goal achievement frequency remains at its peak, but there is little room for creativity as objectives are more important to achieve. Bill Gates and Howard Schultz (Starbucks coffeehouse) are the best examples of this leadership style.

Servant Leadership: 

Servant leaders always consider their teammates, and are very much caring and compassionate towards them. This type of leadership has a feeling of care and commitment along - with the growth of their employees or even team mates. Robert Greenleaf has defined this type of leadership in a very smart way by saying that “the servant-leader is a servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first''.

A servant leader is always constructive, persistent and motivating for its followers. On the other hand, the companies who want swift turnaround, do not opt or appreciate this style of leadership.