Finding Your [Wonderful & Weird] Leadership Style

I’ve done considerable research on leadership style. Most material on the topic uses similar language about a leader's characteristic behaviors when directing, motivating, guiding, and managing groups of people.

In 1939, a group of researchers led by psychologist Kurt Lewin set out to identify different styles of leadership.



The 3 primary types are: Authoritarian, Participatory, and Delegating.

These can be summed up as: Tell people what things to do, do things with them, and maybe ask people to do things (but maybe not).

Since then, the most effective style of leadership has been dubbed Transformational Leadership.

Transformational leaders are able to motivate and inspire followers and to direct positive changes in groups.

These leaders tend to be emotionally intelligent, energetic, and passionate. They are not only committed to helping the organization achieve its goals, but also to helping group members fulfill their potential.

This sounds immensely better.

It sounds and feels better. Why?

Because transformational leadership requires so much authenticity that the leader must truly embody the transformation themselves.

They must be a product of their product.

Transformational leaders live and breathe the values and commitments of the team.

***What I’m about to say next is very important. Please keep reading.***