July Blog: Workforce Connector

Leadership Styles

The leadership of every company plays an important role in the success of the company. Every company has a different style of leadership that is needed based on the company’s situation and the workforce the leadership team is in charge of. There are five different styles of leadership companies can use to help make sure their workforce is being led the best way possible. 

The first leadership style companies can use is the structured style. This style is done when the workforce knows what needs to be done in every assigned task and what is expected from everybody. The leadership team takes full liability of what happens in each team and has an easier time rewarding and punishing team members because there are already pre-assigned expectations. This type of style is best used when the workforce is already motivated to work hard and needs little direction on what tasks need to be done. The downside of this style of leadership is that there is little flexibility for error and can cause new employees to get overwhelmed.

The second style of leadership companies can use is the participative style. This style of leadership is done when the leadership team makes sure their workforce knows they care about them. The company leader uses the friendship factor which is composed of time, caring, and respect. This type of leadership is best used when working with family members, close friends, and during stressful times in the workplace when there is a lot of uncertainty. The problem with this style is that it can cause poor production in the workplace and an unclear direction of leadership.

The third style of leadership that can be used is the servant style. This style of leadership is when the leader does their job to serve their team and team does their job for the leader. Brian Tracy’s Golden Rule of Management comes into practice with this style.

“Manage others the way you would like to be managed.”

The leader of the company makes sure the workforce has everything needed to do the required tasks and offers training and education tools if needed. This style of leadership promotes peak performance and the learning of valuable life skills. This style is best used when working with a diverse workforce and each workforce members needs a personalized manager. However, this style requires a balance between all the leadership team members because it can cause a lack of authority within the workplace.

The fourth style of leadership is the freedom style. This style of leadership is done when the leaders in the company set goals and or tasks for the workforce to complete but leave the means to complete the tasks and or goals up to the workforce. The leaders only intervene when questions need to be answered and help when needed. This style is best used when the workforce is composed of highly skilled employees who don’t need a lot of supervision and if the leadership team wants to promote an entrepreneurial mindset among the workforce. This style of leadership is ineffective when the workforce employees are more qualified than the leader or require more supervision.

The fifth style of leadership is the transformational style. This style of leadership is when the leaders motivate the workforce by being motivated themselves. The company leader uses this style to help the workforce be reminded of goals set by the entire company and how each member contributes to those goals. This style of leadership is best used when the leader wants to develop personal strengths and skill that can help each member feel more confident in themselves, the leader, and company. However, if the leader doesn’t do their part and loses their motivation to achieve the goal(s), then this style of leadership is ineffective. 

Each style of leadership can be used effectively with a company’s workforce. It all comes down to how a company leader thinks he or she can be the best leader possible.

Chinese business magnate, investor, and philanthropist Jack Ma wrote,

“A good boss is better than a good company.”