There are many types of leadership styles available for team leaders. If you are leading a team in an organization, you should select a style of leadership that will work best for you and your team. This guide explores different leadership styles for business leaders.

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What are some common leadership styles for business owners?

While there are many leadership styles, each has its unique place in the leader’s toolkit. As a leader, you can use these styles interchangeably depending on the situation. Here are the seven types of leadership styles you should know. 

  1. Autocratic
  2. Authoritative
  3. Pacesetting
  4. Democratic 
  5. Coaching
  6. Affiliative
  7. Laissez-Faire

1) Autocratic

An autocratic leadership uses a command-and-control approach, commonly known as “Do as I say” leadership. Autocratic leaders believe they are the most intelligent people in a team and know more than others. They make all the decisions without other’s input.

2) Authoritative

In an authoritative leadership style, the leader sets expectations and engages the team members along the way. In other words, it’s a “follow me” style of leadership. The leader takes the time to explain their thinking to team members before making decisions.

3) Pacesetting

The phrase most indicative of the pacesetting leadership style is “Do as I do.” The leader sets the pace and pushes the team members to achieve their business goals. While it is an effective leadership style, it can hurt some team members.

4) Democratic

In a democratic leadership style, democratic leaders share information with team members and seek their opinions before making the final decision. This leadership style can build trust and encourage team spirit and cooperation among team members.

5) Coaching

In a coaching leadership style, leaders view team members as a pool of talent to be built. This type of leadership uses a “consider this” approach, which seeks to unlock other people’s potential. The leader believes everyone has potential within themselves.

6) Affiliative

Affiliative leadership is where a leader builds a close and personal relationship with the team members. The leaders pay attention to everyone’s emotional needs. It’s a “people come first” leadership style that encourages harmony between team members.

7) Laissez-Faire

In laissez-faire leadership, the leader seems to trust team members to know what they should do without getting reminded. This leadership style is ideal for highly experienced, skilled, and self-motivated team members. 

Choosing Your Own Leadership Style

Now that you know the different types of leadership styles, choose the ones that work best for every situation. Be genuine with the leadership style you’ve chosen so that you maximize its benefits. That way, you can improve your leadership effectiveness.

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