Leadership Styles

Effective leaders provide a framework and conditions in which managers can manage effectively. Different approaches can be taken to empower managers and individuals, although an underlying requirement for a successful leader is that of developing trust with followers and employees.

Goleman identifies six styles of leadership which might be appropriate for different situations, a couple of these ideally being only used sparingly and in very specific situations:
1. Coercive (Autocratic): For crisis management situations only.
2. Authoritative: Providing vision and clarity.
3. Democratic: For collaboration amongst all employees.
4. Affiliative (Laissez-faire): To reduce high-stress and difficult situations.
5. Pacesetting: For short term gains only.
6. Coaching: Developing skills and knowledge for longer-term success.
(Source: Goleman, D. (2000) ‘Leadership that gets results’,