Most effective leaders have several leadership or management styles they use, based on the situation. Daniel Goleman, the prolific writer on Emotional Intelligence, has looked closely at the various styles over the years. His research found that leaders use six styles, each springing from different components of emotional intelligence.
Here is a summary of the styles, their origin, when they work best, and their impact on an organization’s climate and thus its performance.
Coercive
- The leader’s modus operandi: Demands immediate compliance
- The style in the phrase: “Do what I tell you.”
- Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Drive to achieve, initiative, self-control
- When the style works best: In a crisis, to kick start a turnaround, or with problem employees
- The overall impact on climate: Negative
Authoritative
- The leader’s modus operandi: Mobilizes people toward a vision
- The style in the phrase: “Come with me.”
- Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Self-confidence, empathy, change catalyst
- When the style works best: When changes require a new vision, or when a clear direction is needed.
- The overall impact on climate: Most strongly positive
Affiliative
- The leader’s modus operandi: Creates harmony and builds emotional bonds
- The style in the phrase: “People come first.”
- Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Empathy, building relationships, communication
- When the style works best: To heal rifts in a team or to motivate people during stressful circumstances
- The overall impact on climate: Positive
Democratic
- The leader’s modus operandi: Forges consensus through participation
- The style in the phrase: “What do you think?”
- Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Collaboration, team leadership, communication
- When the style works best: To build buy-in or consensus, or to get input from valuable employees
- The overall impact on climate: Positive
Pacesetting
- The leader’s modus operandi: Sets high standards for performance
- The style in the phrase: “Do as I do, now.”
- Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Conscientiousness, drive to achieve, initiative
- When the style works best: To get quick results from a highly motivated and competent team
- The overall impact on climate: Negative
Coaching
- The leader’s modus operandi: Develops people for the future
- The style in the phrase: “Try this.”
- Underlying emotional intelligence competencies: Developing others, empathy, self-awareness
- When the style works best: To help an employee improve performance or develop long-term strengths
- The overall impact on climate: Positive
What styles do you use? Not Sure?
Reach out for a free leadership style assessment.
Michael Shapiro, E Group Partners, Inc.
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