Each leader has a dominant style of leadership. You can find your dominant style of leadership by taking the LEAD instrument. Leaders should be able to change their leadership style based on the readiness of the followers. According to an instrument developed by center for leadership studies http://www.situational.com there are 4 leadership styles telling, selling, participating and delegating.
Each leader needs to evaluate the situation and the people who are being led and apply an appropriate style of leadership.
I am not surprized. This makes alot of sense if you pay attention and think about those you have heard that are highly effective leaders. They always tailor make themselves for the benefit of the receipt of the people listening.
Posted by: Kathleen Chase | May 02, 2007 at 12:08 AM
Cyril, I agree that a good leader should adapt their style to the task, and the team. All leaders need to learn this. It would make for a more pleasant and rewarding team experience.
Posted by: Gale Henning | May 07, 2007 at 08:46 PM
I believe a good leader uses at least three leadership styles, depending on what forces are involved between the followers, the leader, and the situation.
*Using an authoritarian style on a new employee who is just learning the job. The leader is competent and a good coach. The employee is motivated to learn a new skill. The situation is a new environment for the employee.
*Using a participative style with a team of workers who know their job. The leader knows the problem, but does not have all the information. The employees know their jobs and want to become part of the team.
*Using a delegating style with a worker who knows as much or maybe more about the job than you. You cannot do everything!
Posted by: Vanda McCauley | May 10, 2007 at 01:25 AM
I agree - Leaders need to use the style of leadership that best fits the situation at hand and the team. Good leaders are also flexible leaders. I belive that a person can have one leadership style as their primary style, but will make use of all styles depending on the situation at hand and the team make-up.
Posted by: Michele Guel, Omega JBC | May 19, 2007 at 10:59 PM
Looking into the LEAD instrument. It looks very interesting and I believe that a good foundational learning about leadership is important to becoming the best, well rounded and knowlegeable leader possible.
Lisa Roman-Stagi
JBC-Alpha
Posted by: Lisa Roman-Stagi | May 30, 2007 at 07:49 PM
Leader must be careful not to change their leadership style because of followers. Followers will follow leadership style depending on their comfort levels. There must a balancing of leadership styles to were its not the followers dictating the style but the leader figuring out which one is best for the group.
Posted by: Dean DePasquale | June 13, 2007 at 08:23 PM