The Leadership Styles

Transformational

A leader who can energize

Their passion is contagious

Can improve loyalty, performance, and work ethic 

Are involved in the process

Democratic

A style of leadership where everyone has a say and can openly share opinions 

Decisions rely on group consensus, active participation, honest praise and criticism, and fellowship of people trying to achieve a similar goal. 

Servant

A style of leadership where the leader listens to the needs of others rather than their own.  

The leader serves the followers, prioritizing the team’s needs to create a collaborative and inclusive environment. 

Visionary

A leader capable of envisioning a common goal

Able to bring a group toward an ends through strategic and inspirational means

Pace-Setting

Leaders act as an example to others, setting the ‘pace’ for what the expectations of effort and skill are.

Demands a high level of independence from group members.

Transactional

Intended for corporate environments.

Rewards high performance and penalizes poor performance.

Motivates workers to go above and beyond.

Laissez-Faire

Gives freedom and emphasizes delegation and minimal supervision. 

Encourages innovation, productivity and personal growth

External micromanaging

Autocratic

One leader has absolute power over decisions.

Little input from others.

Allows for quick decision making.

Can limit creativity and collaboration.

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My Personal Opinion

Transformational leadership is the most effective style of leadership. It uplifts group members to perform their best, as opposed to being task-oriented and getting stuff done (as seen in transactional, etc.). The latter may be a convenient short-term solution, but doesn't lead to overall improvements. Furthermore, the positive environment that is created by leader's attitude can be a truly inspiring motivator.