Leadership 101 What Type of Leadership Style Is Yours?

John Maxwell says, “If you invest in your development as a leader, the long-term result is growth. And yes, some are born with greater natural gifts/skills than others, but the real ability to lead is a collection of skills that can be learned and improved.” From The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Leadership is… Insight – self-awareness, understanding others, vision Insight – self-awareness, understanding others, vision Initiative – Take responsibility & risks Initiative – Take responsibility & risks Inspiration – communicate & lead others in the right direction Inspiration – communicate & lead others in the right direction Involvement – empower others to use their talents Involvement – empower others to use their talents Individuality – be yourself Individuality – be yourself Style Style

Visionary Leaders… Cast visions powerfully because they have a crystal-clear picture in their mind of what they want to happen…and then they pursue it relentlessly and draw people into the vision. They may or may not be able to form teams, align talents, set goals, or manage progress toward achievement.

Directional Leaders… Sometimes operate behind the scenes, but they have the uncanny ability to choose the right path at the critical intersections by assessing the values, mission, strengths, weaknesses, resources, personnel & open to change in the group and then point them in the right direction.

Strategic Leaders… Have the ability to break an exciting vision into achievable steps. They form a game plan that everyone can understand and participate in and then challenge the group to work the plan in a synchronized pattern.

Managing Leaders… Have the unique ability to establish mile markers, then organize & monitor people, processes, systems, and resources to achieve the mission. They even derive enormous satisfaction from doing all the managing.

Motivational Leaders… Possess insight into who needs a fresh challenge, additional training, public recognition, or an encouraging word. This ability is vital, especially when the tasks become tiresome or difficult.

Shepherding Leaders… Nurture the team members by listening and supporting. Not everyone has the skills or desire to be a leader, but will thrive in the community and work hard when they know they are cared for.

Team-Building Leaders… Have insight into people. They see the right abilities, character & chemistry that will blend to achieve the desired results. If the right people are in the right slots doing the right things for the right reasons, they’ll get the work done with very little guidance.

Entrepreneurial Leaders… Possess vision, boundless energy, and a risk-taking spirit. They function best in a start-up operation. They love being told “it cannot be done.”

Re-engineering Leaders… Would rather “tune-up”, heal and revitalize a group or project that has lost the vision or focus. They like to solve the problem and then move on to another.

Bridge-building Leaders… Are the most flexible. They have the ability to compromise & negotiate and to listen, understand and think outside the box. They are very diplomatic and relate to diverse people.

SUMMARY Whatever your style – recognize it, celebrate it, nurture and grow it, and step up to the plate and lead.