Leadership Styles

Most of us don’t make a decision about the type of leader we will be, we instinctively lead in one or more styles.
The following broad styles of leadership can give us some insight into how we lead, how we could lead, and what are the strengths and weakness of these styles.


Authoritarian: Tell people what they want done and how they want it accomplished, without getting the advice of their followers
“This is how we are going to do it.”

Authoritative: Has the skills and expertise to set the direction, vision especially when people don’t have an idea. The power of the leader influences situations
“From experience I would do it this way”

Consensus: Finds the outcome that everyone agrees on
“What does everything think we should do”

Democratic: Finds the outcome the majority agree on
“How many of you agree with this”

Empowering: Helping others to make decisions
“Why don’t you help me with this?”

Permissive: Allowing others to make decisions
‘Why don’t you make that decision?”

Situational: Can adopt different leadership styles depending on the situation.
“What’s the best way to proceed in this situation”