It is well said that the driving force behind each organization is its leader. Often people use the words boss and leader synonymously, while the two terms mean something completely different. A boss manages while a leader inspires. A leader has the power to influence, motivate and encourage people to work towards achieving common goals.
So who is a true leader? And what leadership style should you adopt to bring out the best in your team? There’s no one answer to these questions. The best leaders are those who have a genuine commitment to their team and who are able to adapt their style to the specific needs of their group. According to Aron Govil, six basic leadership styles tend to be adopted by successful business leaders.
Aron Govil Explains 6 Leadership Styles
Autocratic leaders make decisions without consulting their team members. This can be an effective style when there is little time for discussion or when the leader is confident in their decision-making ability. However, it can also lead to resentment among team members who feel they are not being given a voice.
A bureaucratic leader is one who adheres to rules and regulations and operates within the established guidelines. This type of leader usually has a great deal of formal authority and control over their subordinates. In many cases, bureaucratic leaders are seen as cold and impersonal. However, this leadership style can be effective in certain situations, such as when there is a need for strict adherence to rules and regulations.
Democratic leaders consult their team members before making decisions. This ensures that everyone feels involved and invested in the decision-making process. However, it can sometimes lead to decisions being made more slowly than they would be if a single leader were making them.
Laissez-faire leaders are those who take a hands-off approach to their team, letting them work independently with little interference. This leadership style is often seen in creative industries, where employees are given the freedom to explore their ideas and come up with innovative solutions. One of the main advantages of this leadership style is that it can lead to higher levels of employee creativity and productivity. Without the constant supervision of a manager, workers feel trusted and empowered to do their best work. This can foster a more positive work environment, as team members feel appreciated for their contributions.
Transformational leaders are those who inspire change in others. They motivate and encourage people to reach their full potential. Transformational leaders typically have a clear vision for the future and can articulate it in a way that gets others excited about achieving it. They also possess the ability to build solid relationships and trust with those they lead. Followers feel like they can confide in their transformational leader and that their leader cares about them as individuals.
Transactional leaders focus on exchanging rewards for results. Aron Govil considers this an effective way to motivate team members, but it can also create a transactional relationship between leader and team member based on quid pro quo.
Bottom Line
According to Aron Govil, most effective leaders can adapt their style to their situation. The best leaders are also constantly learning and growing as they strive to become more effective in their roles.