10 Types of Leadership Styles: Which One Are You?

Leadership is about leading others to success while getting things done.

Even though there are many shapes and forms of leadership, researchers discovered some patterns. These patterns are called leadership styles. Whether you’re new to leadership or already more experienced, becoming aware of these styles will enable you to become an effective leader.

In this guide, you will learn why knowing about different leadership styles is important, what some of the most popular ones are, and how to use them for yourself. Over the years, different researchers have discovered many leadership styles. 

Leadership styles are influenced by various elements, including the leader's personality, values, abilities, and experiences. There is no "right" leadership style; what works for one leader may not work for others. This knowledge can be applied to different leadership styles in different circumstances.

Why leadership styles are important

You will learn that the various leadership styles in management differ greatly. Those differences characterize their impact on your team and how effective you are as a leader. They also suit your personality differently. You must, therefore, choose the main style of leadership wisely.

Knowing different leadership styles will allow you to align your strengths, experiences, beliefs, goals, and vision with how you lead. It will also give you a perspective on your current baseline and where you have room to improve. Applying leadership rules will improve team motivation, morale, stress level, communication, relationship, output, and overall impact.

10 types of leadership styles

Over the years, different researchers have discovered many leadership styles. Every style exemplifies how you would engage in a typical situation. It also has possible pros and cons and information on when it is best.

1. Autocratic

As an autocratic leader, you are more of a ruler than a leader. You have complete authority over your team and the decisions being made. Team members are not encouraged to provide input because you make the decisions. There is a strict hierarchy in which you come first, and your team must follow. People often negatively perceive this style, describing these leaders as bossy.

Example: You change the working hours of your entire team without asking for input on what your team wants.

• Pro: You can make decisions fast and strategically. Your team will be relieved from responsibilities and potentially be less stressed.
• Con: This style is difficult for people who want to bring in their ideas and think creatively. Your team may be bothered because they feel unheard and left out.
• Best for: This style may come in handy during crises and other situations when you must make quick decisions. It may also be helpful when you are the only experienced person on the team. If you use this style, tell team members you still respect them.

2. Bureaucratic

Bureaucratic means that your team must follow clear guidelines, processes, and systems. These structures are usually well-documented; the company or predecessor defined many of them. A bureaucratic leader will make it clear to everyone how to work and what he or she expects from the team. There is a defined list of responsibilities and how you make your decisions.

Example: Your team suggested a more efficient way to work. You checked your guidelines, but the suggestions do not fit.

• Pro: You make decisions based on structures. These structures mean stability for your team. Furthermore, individual team members do not depend on your subjectiveness since you make decisions based on specific rules.
• Con: This style is negative for innovation and freedom, which can demotivate your team. That results in high barriers and difficulties when change is needed.
• Best for: This leadership style may be helpful when you work in a high-risk environment, such as health or finance. It may also be valuable for team members who perform routine tasks.

3. Charismatic

Your strength is your charisma. You can persuade others of your ideas and opinions, and your emotional intelligence is usually high. That means you understand your team's needs and emotions well and can truly connect with them. This puts you in a position where you can follow your vision, and others follow and trust you naturally.

Example: You frequently use your charisma to convince others that your ideas are the best.

• Pro: Your team members tend to identify themselves with your personal qualities and traits. Because of that, you motivate and inspire your team members. That can make leadership very effective.
• Con: If your people skills aren’t high enough, there is a tendency for your team members to turn away because the focus is mostly on you. There is also the risk that you unconsciously or consciously influence others negatively.
• Best for: You may use this leadership style when you work on a big vision or want to unite a great team if you are charismatic.

4. Coach

This leadership style focuses on building a great team with strong individual skill sets. Typically, these kinds of leaders have experience with executive coaching. When applying this style, you communicate with your team members very often. You want to determine how your team can work together at its best. The expectation is that you want people to try new things and develop themselves to unlock their potential. You see yourself as a leader who can push them in the right direction rather than just providing tasks.

Example: You frequently have one-on-one sessions with a focus on the growth of the individual.

• Pro: Your team members have the opportunity for personal and professional development. New ideas are welcome, and your team feels valued. However, you can still make final decisions yourself.
• Con: The coaching leadership style might be ineffective since it focuses heavily on your team members and less on goals and vision. You also risk making team members feel micromanaged.
• Best for: This style may work for you when you work with people who seek opportunities to develop and grow. It may be beneficial when your main focus is building a team that works well together. Be aware not to micromanage others.

5. Democratic

In this style of leadership, the key is that your team's opinion matters. You encourage the ideas and opinions of every team member, and they matter equally. In the end, you may make decisions together in the group or keep the final call by yourself. Open communication is key, and everyone should feel part of the team.

Example: Whenever you make an important decision, schedule a team meeting first.

• Pro: This style allows creativity and helps employees grow and develop. Everyone feels appreciated and motivated to contribute. This boosts morale and overall job satisfaction among team members.
• Con: Making decisions usually takes longer. Maybe it’s unnecessary that everyone is always part of the decision-making process. Your team members can also experience a lack of clear direction.
• Best for: This style may work well for you when you deal with a workforce that is at least somewhat experienced. It’s also helpful when you want to bring everyone on board and build trust in you and the team.

6. Laissez-faire (laid-back)

With this style of leadership, you encourage your team to use their freedom to figure things out themselves. Once you set a goal, you try to stay out of the way and come in only when needed to solve issues. Sometimes, you do not even set goals or step in. Instead, you may let the team solve problems themselves. As this kind of leader, you see yourself as the person who is just pointing the team towards a vision or goal.

Example: Your team solely decided to work on a specific task. You weren’t involved in the decision-making process. You’re aware of the task they’re working on and monitor only.

• Pro: This style fosters creativity, freedom, and self-ownership. It also makes team members feel respected and trusted. This style may give you more freedom to focus on your vision and goals.
• Con: On the other side, this style can foster rivalry, chaos, and frustration. Without a clear direction, a team member can become an unofficial team leader. Respectively, you can lose your authority within the team.
• Best for: This style may work best for you if your team is very experienced, highly motivated, and doesn’t require much supervision. Make sure to set clear goals and to monitor performance.

7. Servant

While your team is there to serve the company, you are there to serve your team. Your main job is solving your team's problems and making sure your team has everything they need to work productively. On the other hand, your focus is not on unlocking potential. You prioritize the needs of your team and put your own needs in the second position.

Example: You always ask your team members how you can help and put your efforts into removing obstacles.

• Pro: The team has a very positive morale, and everyone feels empowered. The team's performance and loyalty towards you should be high.
• Con: This style can lead to low authority and unclear directions. It’s also challenging to maintain this leadership style when facing a crisis or working with tight deadlines.
• Best for: The servant leadership style may be best for you when you have a diverse team. It may also be helpful in an inexperienced team that needs a lot of attention and guidance.

8. Transactional

In transactional leadership, achievements and failures play a central role. Everyone knows what needs to be done, why that needs to be done, and to what standard. You reward your team members for doing precisely the work you expect them to do. On the other hand, you punish team members if they don’t fully meet the expectations you set.

Example: You talk to your team and ask detailed questions to determine whether everyone is on track, and you punish them if they are by rejecting days off.

• Pro: Rewarding or punishing team members based on your predetermined goals sets clear expectations and roles. You can make quick decisions without others' input.
• Con: New ideas and creativity are difficult to generate because of the clear expectations. This can also lead to a bare minimum approach from your team members, who might feel demotivated by your leadership style.
• Best for: This style may be handy when judging team members purely based on their performance. You may want to use it when your team is already motivated and experts.

9. Transformational

The transformational leadership style is about getting out of the comfort zone. First, you set clear goals that your team members need to achieve. Over time, you keep setting higher goals. While you do so, you encourage everyone to find better ways to do their job and to challenge the status quo. In this style, mission and vision play a key role.

Example: When you notice your team is just doing fine, you already think of what you can change to improve.

• Pro: Communication, transparency, and productivity are high. There is also a lot of room for new ideas and creativity. Team members feel satisfied by the constant growth opportunities.
• Con: This style can also lead to dissatisfaction when you don’t give enough guidance or when change is only happening for the sake of change. Your team may not want to learn new things if you lack proficiency.
• Best for: When personal and business growth is your goal, use this leadership style. It may be helpful to encourage confidence in you and the team members.

10. Visionary

The visionary leadership style is also called the authoritative leadership style. As a visionary leader, you constantly spread your vision and explain your thinking often. Your focus is not on giving instructions. You preferably want team members to follow you, and you lead by example. Furthermore, you clearly understand what challenges you must overcome to reach your vision.

Example: You repeatedly talk about the vision of the company and its impact on the current status quo.

• Pro: Your clear vision and constant communication lead to clarity and alignment. The vision itself can also be very inspiring and motivating for your team members.
• Con: Focusing only on the vision can lead to a lack of empathy and guidance. If you cannot communicate your vision clearly, this can eventually lead to mistrust and confusion.
• Best for: When you work on something innovative and move towards a bigger goal, this leadership style may be suited for you. It may also be helpful if you want to attract great talent that shares your vision.

Using different leadership styles

Leadership styles show how you can act and interact with your team members. However, there are different individuals, situations, goals, and companies. In a practical world, choosing one leadership style and sticking to it always will make you a less effective leader. To be a super-effective leader, the following five steps enable you to get the most out of leadership styles.

1. Self-awareness

First, you need to know yourself and all your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to match your behavior with the leadership styles. By comparing yourself with the different styles, you will determine which ones suit you more naturally and which don’t.

2. Main style

Even though you have to jump between leadership styles, it’s crucial that you have one main style of leadership. Especially for the sake of consistency. After assessing yourself in step one, use the assessment results and choose your main leadership style.

3. Flexibility

This step might be the most critical one. Do not use your leadership style in each situation to maximize your effectiveness. Be aware of the pros and cons of each style and what you can use them best. Then, pick the one that you need for a given situation.

4. Feedback

Directly asking others what impression you make on them is one of the best ways to determine how well you accomplish your leadership style goals. You can ask your mentors, managers, and team members for feedback.

Lead with authenticity 

Outstanding leadership comes in many ways. Nevertheless, there are some patterns to categorize different styles of leadership. If you leverage these styles for your leadership success, you will recognize positive changes within your team.

You can improve your motivation, trust, productivity, and satisfaction. Do not always stick with one style; adapt your style as the situation requires. Stay authentic to who you are. Others will recognize if you don’t.

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Read our exclusive interview with HubSpot CEO Yamini Rangan on leadership.