Which leadership style suits you – and your team?
Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all. The choice of leadership style depends on the situation, objectives, team dynamics, organizational structure and the personality of the manager.
But what leadership styles actually exist – and what characterizes them?
- Authoritarian: The manager decides alone and expects implementation without discussion – efficient in emergencies, but demotivating in everyday life.
- Charismatic: The manager inspires their team through personal charisma, vision and emotional connection – particularly strong in change processes
- Democratic: The manager actively involves the team, promotes dialog and participation – this strengthens responsibility, creativity and cohesion.
- Transformational: Leadership based on meaning, inspiration and individual support – ideal for companies undergoing change or with growth ambitions.
- Situational: The leadership style is flexibly adapted to the respective situation and the team – particularly effective in dynamic, hybrid contexts.
- Servant: The manager sees themselves as a supporter, removes obstacles and strengthens potential – suitable for value-oriented, cooperative organizations.
- Laissez-faire: Employees work largely independently, management hardly intervenes – works with a high degree of self-organization, but involves risks.
- Transactional: Leadership is based on clear goals, control and rewards – effective in structured, number-driven organizations.
- Shared: Leadership is distributed within the team, decisions are made jointly – ideal for agile, innovation-driven cultures.
👉🏻 Which leadership style shapes your organization – and which one will you need tomorrow?
