If you Google “management styles” you’ll get plenty of information on the topic. Sifting through it all can be a bit overwhelming. Let’s take a look at the six leadership styles as defined by Daniel Goleman.
1. Coercive – demands immediate compliance; this kind of manager dictates to others expecting them to follow orders
2. Authoritative – mobilizes people towards a goal or vision; this kind of manager is a leader in the truest sense of the word
3. Affiliative – creates harmony and builds emotional connections/bonds; this kind of manager uses emotions as a way to unite and inspire
4. Democratic – forges consensus through participation; this kind of manager considers the general consensus
5. Pacesetting – sets high standards for performance; this kind of manager knows all about self-fulfilling prophecies and uses high expectations as a tool
6. Coaching – develops people for the future; this kind of manager envisions how those he manages will grow and contribute on an ongoing basis
Where do you fit in? Are you able to identify with more than one style of managing? The truth is that the most effective leaders recognize the need to be flexible in their management and leadership styles. Knowing what’s needed and when is key to success. Think of a situation where you needed to pull rank in order to get things done. Your decision to do that was probably much more effective than if you had tried to build emotional bonds through affiliative management.
Although you may already be quite familiar with some of these leadership styles, mastering all six will take time. As will knowing the right timing and measure of when and how to use each style. Practice makes better, so try them out.
Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership That Gets Results. Harvard Business Review, March – April.
