leadership styles

1. Explore your authentic leadership

2. 1. Commanding Leadership Style
Modus Operandi • Demands immediate compliance
Style in a phase • ‘Do what I tell you’
Underlying
competency
• Drive to achieve initiative, self-control
When the style works
best
• In a crisis, to kick start a turnaround, or with problem employees.
People know exactly what to do, follow commands, and can
complete tasks very efficiently
Not so ideal
• In day to day situations. It can have negative effect on employees
motivation and sense of belonging
Source: 6 Goleman Leadership Styles
The affiliative leader takes charge in a crisis situation, gives orders, and presents their plan to the people.

3. 2. Visionary Leadership Style
Modus Operandi • Mobilizes people toward a vision
Style in a phase • ‘Come with me’
Underlying
competency
• Self-confidence, empathy, change catalyst
When the style works
best
• When changes require a new vision, or when a clear direction is
needed. They encourage creativity and productivity.
Not so ideal
• When embodying extreme forms of the character traits of visionary
leadership styles, these leaders often have very high standards
from a team while struggling to delegate effectively. This can lead
to a frustrated team
Source: 6 Goleman Leadership Styles
The visionary leader has the big picture in mind, is able to share this with employees and knows how to unlock the team’s full potential.

4. 3. Affiliative Leadership Style
Modus Operandi • Creates harmony and builds emotional bonds
Style in a phase • ‘People come first’
Underlying
competency
• Empathy, building relationships, communication
When the style works
best
• Following this style creates a basis of trust, ideal for crisis
management, team building, creative tasks, and innovation.
Not so ideal
• People with traits of an affiliate leader often have trouble putting
their foot down. It can be challenging to speak their mind, give
solid feedback, and make tough decisions while still wanting to
make every single team member happy.
Source: 6 Goleman Leadership Styles
The affiliative leader invites people to open up and share their thoughts and emotions.

5. 4. Democratic Leadership Style
Modus Operandi • Forges consensus through participation
Style in a phase • ‘What do you think’
Underlying
competency
• Collaboration, team leadership, communication
When the style works
best
• To build buy-in or consensus, or to get input from valuable
employees making people feel involved, motivated and increases
employee engagement
Not so ideal
• Democracy takes time, so this style is not very effective in
situations where fast moves are required. Also, the leader has to be
able to handle situations where team members don’t agree on one
solution.
Source: 6 Goleman Leadership Styles
The democratic leader acts as a facilitator and gives the floor to the team members, while sitting back, listening,
and reaching a consensus within the team.

6. 5. Pacesetting Leadership Style
Modus Operandi • Sets high standards for performance
Style in a phase • ‘Do as I do, now’
Underlying
competency
• Conscientiousness, drive to achieve, initiative
When the style works
best
• To get quick results from a highly motivated and competent team
Not so ideal
• Democracy takes time, so this style is not very effective in
situations where fast moves are required. Also, the leader has to be
able to handle situations where team members don’t agree on one
solution.
Source: 6 Goleman Leadership Styles
Pacesetting leadership is about holding people up to their performance in order to work efficiently.

7. 6. Coaching Leadership Style
Modus Operandi • Sets high standards for performance
Style in a phase • ‘Do as I do, now’
Underlying
competency
• Conscientiousness, drive to achieve, initiative
When the style works
best
• To get quick results from a highly motivated and competent team
Not so ideal
• Democracy takes time, so this style is not very effective in
situations where fast moves are required. Also, the leader has to be
able to handle situations where team members don’t agree on one
solution.
Source: 6 Goleman Leadership Styles
Pacesetting leadership is about holding people up to their performance in order to work efficiently.