As a leader, it is crucial you recognize different situations require different leadership approaches.
Harvard Business Review shares the following three common leadership styles and when you should use them.
- Coercive leadership. The least effective style in most situations, coercive leadership involves demanding immediate compliance. However, it can be necessary and effective when certain crises require decisive action and a clear chain of command.
- Authoritative leadership. This approach involves mobilizing people toward a vision. It motivates your team members by connecting their work to a larger organizational strategy. This style often is beneficial and is particularly useful during times of change or uncertainty.
- Pacesetting leadership. This approach involves expecting excellence and self-direction and should be used sparingly. It can work in certain situations when your employees are highly motivated and exceedingly competent or when perfection is absolutely necessary.
