Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes. Let’s delve into some of the famous leadership styles and try to see which best defines our style.

• Transformational Leader

Transformational leaders are growth-minded. Effective communication and creative environments enable intellectual stimulation and innovation. They are often referred to as “blue-sky thinkers.” Responding to followers’ needs is their main focus and helps them develop followers into leaders by unlocking personal potential. Their strength of vision enables them to motivate followers towards common objectives.

• Charismatic Leader

Charismatic leaders possess a powerful self-image. They rely on their charm, positivity, personality, communication, conviction, and persuasion. They motivate their followers by the sheer force of their personality. They create a vision for problem-solving by dissecting and deciphering any inefficiency within the organization.

• Transactional Leader

Transactional leaders are old school in their approach. They focus on a clear chain of command, group organization and use rewards and punishments to motivate followers. They prefer to maintain formal positions of authority. They monitor performance and offer tangible rewards to loyal employees.

• Servant Leader

In an altruistic style of leadership, servant leadership focuses on power-sharing. The needs of the followers are prioritized and collective decision-making is encouraged. The main elements of this leadership style are boosting morale and enriching the lives of their followers.

• Participative Leader

A participative leader allows followers to participate, exchange ideas freely and have discussions. Decisions are made based on inputs from the followers. Each employee has an equal say in strategic decision making. This gives lower-level employees to exercise a certain level of authority. This enables creative solutions to flourish.

• Autocratic Leader

For autocratic leaders considering worker suggestions or power-sharing is a big “no-no.” They have considerable control over their followers. This hegemonic organizational culture is definitely old school in its approach to leadership. There is a clear separation between leaders and followers, the leader is the sole figure of authority, work is structured and regimented. Actually it may be difficult to distinguish a tyrant from a leader in autocratic leadership.

• Laissez-Faire Leader

Leaders who follow this style allow a great deal of autonomy to their employees in terms of decision making and work processes. They operate on trust and only come to the forefront to provide guidance and furnish their employees with resources when required. “Let them do” is the literal translation of Laissez-Faire and aptly defines the leadership style.

Transformational Leadership Course Online

There is no set format for leadership. It just boils down to which style works for you. Whatever motivates your followers and encourages them to innovate and work towards your vision for the organization is the style for you. However, a transformational leadership certification would be really beneficial in discerning which leadership style would best complement your personality.

XLRI Jamshedpur offers a transformational leadership course online on the Talentedge platform. This eight-month transformational leadership certification is imparted through live interactive classes that are accessed by participants online. In a world where leadership qualities are in demand, a transformational leadership certification would add to one’s curriculum vitae.