Visual 017: Leading with Impact: Goleman’s Six Leadership Styles
According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, there are six leadership styles that significantly affect how your team feels and performs:
Visionary: Visionary leaders inspire others by creating a clear and exciting vision of the future. They motivate people to work together toward a shared goal, giving everyone a sense of purpose and direction.
Coaching: Coaching leaders focus on helping individuals grow. They guide and support their team members, helping them reach their full potential. By prioritizing personal development, they create a culture of continuous improvement.
Affiliative: Affiliative leaders prioritize the emotional well-being of their team. They create a positive and harmonious atmosphere, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging. This approach enhances teamwork and collective success.
Democratic: Democratic leaders value input from everyone. They involve their team in decision-making, encouraging participation and considering different perspectives. This style fosters a sense of ownership and inclusivity within the team.
Pace-Setting: Pace-setting leaders set high standards and lead by example. They expect others to keep up with their pace and commitment to excellence. This approach can drive a team to achieve great results but can be demanding.
Commanding: Commanding leaders take control and make decisions quickly, often without much input from others. This style is effective in urgent or crisis situations but should be used carefully, as it can come across as too harsh if overused.
Goleman emphasized that the best leaders don’t stick to just one style. Instead, they adapt and use a mix of these styles depending on the situation and the needs of their team. Flexibility is key to effective leadership.
