Leadership Styles: The 10 Most Common & How to Find Your Style

There are many different leadership styles, and the best one for you will depend on your own personality, your team, and the task at hand. Here are 10 common leadership styles:
1. Autocratic: This style involves making decisions without consulting the team. It can be effective in emergency situations or when quick decisions are needed, but it can also be demoralizing for team members.
2. Laissez-faire: This style involves giving the team complete freedom to make decisions and solve problems on their own. It can be effective when the team is highly skilled and motivated, but it can also lead to a lack of direction.
3. Democratic: This style involves consulting the team and considering their input when making decisions. It can be effective in building morale and getting buy-in from team members, but it can also be time-consuming.
4. Transformational: This style involves inspiring and motivating team members to achieve their full potential. It can be effective in building strong teams and driving innovation, but it requires a lot of trust and support from team members.
5. Transactional: This style involves setting clear goals and expectations, and rewarding or punishing team members based on their performance. It can be effective in achieving results, but it can also be demotivating if it focuses too much on punishment.
6. Servant: This style involves putting the needs of the team before your own, and helping team members develop their skills and abilities. It can be effective in building strong teams, but it requires a lot of self-sacrifice.
7. Charismatic: This style involves using your personal charm and enthusiasm to inspire and motivate team members. It can be effective in building morale, but it can also be unsustainable if you can't maintain your energy levels.

8. Bureaucratic: This style involves following established rules and procedures, and maintaining strict control over the team. It can be effective in maintaining order and consistency, but it can also stifle creativity and innovation.
9. Coaching: This style involves helping team members develop their skills and abilities, and providing support and guidance as needed. It can be effective in building strong teams and improving performance, but it requires a lot of time and effort.
10. Visionary: This style involves setting a clear vision for the team and inspiring them to work towards it. It can be effective in driving innovation and achieving long-term goals, but it requires a lot of vision and strategic thinking.

To find your leadership style, try thinking about what qualities you most value in a leader, and which ones come naturally to you. You may also want to ask your team members for feedback on your leadership style, and try out different styles to see what works best for you and your team.