How to Develop Your Unique Leadership Style in Management?

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach, albeit it is subjective and depends on who you are as a person, your encounters and what you hope to achieve. In the contemporary, dynamic business sphere, learning to build a distinct leadership approach can be an added advantage and contribute greatly to the organization. In this article, we shall explore the importance of leadership, the various styles you can adopt, and how to craft a leadership approach that resonates with you and your team.

The transformative power of leadership

• Business case for strong leadership

There are several factors that influence organizational performance, but efficient leadership practices are considered one of the most critical. According to a study conducted by DDI (Development Dimensions International) in 2021, organizations with strong leadership development efforts viewed more than 50% higher engagement scores than other companies and 20% better on financial performance. Furthermore, according to the 2022 Global Leadership Forecast, organizations with a focus on leadership development are 2.3 times more likely to grow in revenue as compared to their competitors.

Investing in leadership is not an option but a necessity in realizing the long-term goals of the business. Effective leaders develop cultures of ownership and creativity, which not only results in higher sales but also improved employee retention. In fact, organizations with efficient leader development programs have employee turnover rates that are 30% lower, showing the need of developing leaders from within the company.

• Personal impact of leadership

Leadership isn't just a matter of metrics; it concerns people as well. There exist leaders who are capable of engaging, inspiring, and empowering those around them. Such leaders create an atmosphere where people feel appreciated and encouraged to work. This human element has the effect of creating loyalty and increasing output, thus elevating ordinary teams into high-performing ones.

Spectrum of leadership archetypes

Leaders often fall into various archetypes, each possessing unique strengths. Understanding where you stand in this spectrum can help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few styles you might consider:

1. Transformational leaders - These types of leaders infuse passion in their teams and push them to accomplish more than what is required. Steve Jobs can be termed as one of the most well-known transformational leaders in history. Those who worked under Jobs stated that he was always encouraging people to go beyond what they had achieved before. He persistently sought after and aspired for more.

2. Servant leaders - Such leaders focus on the growth and well-being of others. There are many historical examples of servant leaders. Among the most prominent are Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr. etc.

3. Autocratic leaders - In this type of leadership style, the person makes decisions independently. Such style is observed particularly in stressful and high-pressure situations. Consider military generals, for instance, General Patton was more concerned about efficiency and clarity of orders. Autocratic figures such as Adolf Hitler, Augusto Pinochet, and Napoleon Bonaparte are historical giants. Hitler was the dictator of Nazi Germany and practiced totalitarianism.

4. Democratic leaders - This style of leadership involves team input and collective decision-making. The democratic leadership approach was exemplified by leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, who valued consensus.

Dangers of imitation

Aspiring leaders sometimes tend to make the mistake of impersonating the most successful figures without understanding the unique attributes of those individuals. This can lead to situations where a leader is unable to connect with their team since they are not true to themselves, that is, in the name of leadership one may pretend to be someone that they are not. Being an authentic leader is about knowing oneself deeply, rather than striving to fit into a predefined characteristic.

Designing your unique leadership style

Please find below a structured approach to developing your leadership style:

1. Self-assessment: Discover your default approach

Begin by evaluating your leadership tendencies. How do you respond to challenges? For instance, does it take you time to make decisions or do you consult your team for input? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the DiSC assessment are among the tools that can be useful. Other tools might include personality tests and self-reflection exercises.

2. Solicit opinions from others

Reach out to peers, mentors, and team members to ask for their insights. Inquire about what they believe are your best qualities and where you need improvement. This type of feedback is known as 360-degree feedback and can be quite revealing and helpful in directing your development journey.

3. Evaluate strengths and vulnerabilities

Once you receive feedback, develop a list of your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, if you are an excellent motivator but have difficulty managing conflicts, focusing on ways to improve your conflict management would be a priority.

4. Outline specific plans for development

Formulate a precise strategy of action, and set goals that can be accomplished. For instance, if you wish to develop your leadership skills by becoming more empathetic, you could set a goal of practising active listening during team meetings. 

5. Seize new challenges

Look for opportunities to extend your leadership competencies. Step forward to lead projects in which you have no prior experience, or pursue positions that challenge you to adapt your leadership approach. This attitude of achieving growth promotes resilience and creativity.

6. Regularly ask for feedback

Leadership cannot exist without growth and development. Therefore make it a practice to ask for feedback whenever a big project or presentation is completed. This is important as it makes you a refined leader and also illustrates to your team members that you appreciate them and value their input.

Conclusion

Developing the leadership style that works best for you is a continuous endeavour that entails self-reflection, feedback, and a dedication to improvement. Begin your journey toward leadership development today. Take stock of your experiences, ask for opinions and feedback, and commit to continuous learning. The greatest leaders are those who are generally adaptive but are nonetheless resolute in their values. Make the effort, and you will discover a unique form of leadership style that is authentically yours.