Choosing a Leadership Style
13 January 2023 | Pilat Learning Bites
Leadership is a critical aspect of any organisation, and it plays a vital role in determining the success of a team or company. A leader’s ability to inspire, motivate and guide their team towards a common goal can make a significant difference in achieving desired outcomes.
However, there are various leadership styles that a leader can adopt, and choosing the right one is crucial to ensure success. Different leadership styles suit different situations and personalities, and as a leader, it is essential to understand the various styles and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
To choose the right leadership style
Vary your style according to the individual’s desire and ability to do a job.
• Analyse the individual’s ability and desire to accomplish a specific task
• Identify the best leadership style to suit the ability/desire level
• Agree the style to be used with the individual with your reasons
To Direct
• Set clear, unambiguous goals and standards
• Present a clear rationale – why it needs to be done – to increase desire
• Structure tasks to allow quick wins
• Supervise and give regular feedback
• Provide training to improve ability.
To Coach
• Invest time early on; guide, answer questions, explain
• Schedule regular, short coaching sessions to support skills development
• Create a risk-free environment to allow for early ‘mistakes’/ learning
• Relax control as progress is shown.
To Motivate
• Identify reasons for low desire, e.g. lack of confidence, disinterested, not challenging enough, working environment
• Enthuse by linking to individual’s performance motivations
• Give positive feedback and praise progress
• Create incentives.
To Consult & Delegate
• Provide freedom to do the job, setting objectives but not the method
• Encourage individual to take on extra responsibility
• Take appropriate risks, giving more stretching tasks
• Don’t micro-manage
• Involve in decision making
• Don’t ignore – delegate, don’t abdicate.