Leadership is everywhere — at work, in sports, even at home. However, not every leader leads in the same way. You’ve probably seen a few types of leaders. Maybe your boss is the type who makes all the decisions without asking, or perhaps you’ve worked with someone who loves getting everyone’s input before making a move.

In this blog, we’ll share 10 leadership styles that can greatly impact how a team feels, performs, and grows.

10 Types of Leadership Styles for Every Hat You Wear

  • Autocratic Leadership

    Autocratic leadership is like a boss who wants everything done their way and doesn’t often feel the need to take input from the team. This style works best during emergencies or high-pressure situations where fast decisions matter most. Let’s say, during a factory shutdown, an autocratic leader would act fast, give orders, and expect everyone to follow them strictly.

  • Democratic Leadership

    Democratic leaders listen to everyone's ideas and make decisions based on team discussions. For example, a democratic leader in the marketing team hears ideas from his team members and chooses the best one for a new product ad campaign.

  • Laissez-Faire Leadership

    Leaders who use the laissez-faire leadership style take a step back to allow their skilled team members to take ownership of their project and support them when needed. For example, in research and development (R&D) departments, scientists or engineers can explore innovative ideas, experiment, and develop prototypes without constant oversight.

  • Bureaucratic Leadership

    Bureaucratic leaders make decisions based on strict policies and procedures. This style suits jobs that involve safety or precision, like finance or construction. An example is a government officer who ensures all paperwork follows the legal process.

  • Visionary Leadership

    Visionary leaders inspire by focusing on big-picture goals. They tell stories of a better future and motivate others to believe in it. Think of Steve Jobs, who imagined the future of technology and inspired his team to build it, even if it sounded impossible at the time.

  • Coaching Leadership Style

    Coaching leaders act like personal trainers to help each team member improve their skills over time. A coaching leader would give feedback, encourage strengths, and correct mistakes like a sports coach on the sidelines.

  • Transactional Leadership

    Transactional leadership is about clear structures. Leaders set goals, and rewards or punishments follow based on the results. This style is common in sales teams where meeting targets comes with bonuses, while missing them might result in warnings.

  • Transformational Leadership

    Transformational leaders change everything for the better and push teams to go beyond their limits. For instance, a transformational leader in a hospital might introduce new patient care models that transform the entire system for improved results.

  • Affiliative Leadership Style

    Affiliative leaders focus on people’s feelings and creating harmony. They ensure team members feel supported and valued, which keeps morale high. Affiliative leadership style is perfect during tough times like layoffs or organizational changes.

  • Pacesetting Leadership

    Pacesetting leaders lead by example. They set high standards and expect the team to keep up. For example, a CEO working extra hours during a critical project would expect the team to follow their pace and dedication.

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all solution, as every leader is different, and so is every team. Sometimes a situation calls for a strong direction; other times, teams need freedom to explore ideas. Leaders who understand these 10 leadership styles can switch between them and do the best for their team. So, next time you manage a team or observe leadership around you, identify which leadership style is in action.