Leadership Styles that Get Results
Daniel Goleman “Leadership That Gets Results”Harvard Business Review.
Leaders who have mastered four or more styles – especially the Authoritative, Democratic, Affiliative, and Coaching styles – have the best climate and business performance.
Coercive Leadership Style:
The leader’s modus operandi: Demands immediate compliance.
The style in a phrase: “Do what I tell you.”
Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Drive to achieve, initiate, self-control.
When the style works best: In a crisis, to kick start a turnaround, or with problem employees.
Overall impact on climate: Negative.
Authoritative Leadership Style:
The leader’s modus operandi: Mobilizes people toward a vision.
The style in a phrase: “Come with me.”
Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Self-confidence, empathy, change catalyst.
When the style works best: When changes require a new vision or a clear direction is needed.
Overall impact on climate: Most strongly positive.
Affiliative Leadership Style:
The leader’s modus operandi: Creates harmony and builds emotional bonds
The style in a phrase: “People come first.”
Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Empathy, building relationships, communication.
When the style works best: To heal rifts in a team or to motivate people during stressful circumstances.
Overall impact on climate: Positive.
Democratic Leadership Style:
The leader’s modus operandi: Forges consensus through participation.
The style in a phrase: “What do you think?.”
Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Collaboration, team leadership, communication.
When the style works best: To build buy-in or consensus, or to get input from valuable employees.
Overall impact on climate: Positive.
Pacesetting Leadership Style:
The leader’s modus operandi: Sets high standard of performance
The style in a phrase: “Do as I do, now.”
Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Conscientiousness, drive to achieve, initiative
When the style works best: To get quick results from a highly motivated and competent team
Overall impact on climate: Negative.
Coaching Leadership Style :
The leader’s modus operandi: Develops people for the future
The style in a phrase: “Try this”
Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Developing others, empathy, self-awareness
When the style works best: To help employee improve performance or develop long-term strengths
Overall impact on climate: Positive.