Leading the way to my Future

Why is it important to know your leadership style? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a leader help you to be a better leader. Deep in the middle of my job search I come to you with this research in this area of leadership. Let me share how my leadership style helps to define my future impact for an organization.

Teamwork and coaching a successful team, whether in work or in sports has been my forte\’. It is a bit of a juggle but … connecting with leadership, staff and volunteers collaborating on strategy to get things done is how I have developed my leadership style. I am insightful and love to listen to what motivates people to get things done and because of that, the teams that I have lead have achieved great things.

My job search process has me evaluating my leadership style to a new level. What type of leader motivates me? How will I motivate others on the team to be successful? My next role will be impactful as I feel I was put on this earth to do great things, support worthwhile organizations with a true mission that I can believe in. How do you show that collaborative spirit in an interview and quickly connect with that person on the other side of the phone line?

Be authentic. Be real. Be purposeful. Be passionate and Be decisive.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams

Six Leadership Styles Self Defined

Below are the leadership styles and how I have encompassed these styles for my success. In my opinion as a leader we have the ability to use each of these styles when needed in doses that are necessary. I like to think my style of leadership falls mostly in coaching and visionary – but I can see my style show up in each of them.

1.  Commanding – As a Mom there are times where you need to use 
2. this style to be sure that tasks are complete and lessons are learned.  
3. Visionary – There are days when you have a vision you want to see come to life – and you need to sell it to others!
4. Coaching – My favorite style because after the members of your team give it a \”try\” they learn and grow and are productive members of the team to share their experiences. You can coach for greatness with the right team in place.
5. Democratic – Collaboration of ideas, background and experience make this leadership style rewarding when you are able to convene and connect well with a team of people.
6. Affiliative – Change management employs this style for the good of the organization.   Volunteers and staff can share their experiences and vision so together to create the best future.
7. Pace-setting – When the need is now to get it done and go big! Pace is important in goal setting and what is needed to achieve the end result.

Never stop learning, keep an open mind, be a do-er as well as a leader and show the way with your leadership example. If you understand what the end goals should be and you can help with that process – extend your offer of leadership at what ever level it is needed. I often think of myself as a leadership consultant when it comes to seeing when something is broken and knowing how to fix it. My advice would be to not be directive, but have a conversation 1:1 with the \”leader\” and help them to solve the problem and give insight what they may want to try to accomplish it at a pace they have indicated. It\’s your leadership skills that can influence others at every angle.

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way

The research into leadership is great information for the job seeker and the hiring manager. These styles can help shape how you will fit into the team, collaborate and lead others, lead accounts and exceed the goals to success. Understanding your leadership style in my opinion is very important to finding your role in a new team, a new challenge and your future.

Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” – Sam Walton

We all have the ability to step up to leadership roles in life, in our communities and volunteering.    Understanding your leadership style comes with time and experience.   I encourage you get out there and show others your leadership style and make an impact.

Think about it. What is your leadership style?  Thanks for stopping by – please leave a comment below!