Big Sky Big Leadership Series: Leadership Styles
 | Author:
Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent |
Big Sky Big Leadership Series: Leadership Styles
Allison Kosto
MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent
This is the first in a series of articles sharing concepts from the Big Sky, Big Leadership program. Currently, in its third year, this is a nine-month program that helps participants gain leadership skills as well as learn more about issues and resources in the county. This series of articles highlights some of the leadership skills that are incorporated into the class starting with leadership styles.
Leadership style refers to a leader’s characteristics, behaviors and methods when working with others. Style is shaped by a variety of factors including the leader’s experiences, personality, values and skills. It can be influenced by a specific situation and have a major impact on the outcome of that situation. Some leaders may have the ability to modify or change their leadership style, but often have a preference or natural tendency towards one style.
There has been lots of research on leadership styles and there are many different variations of leadership styles depending on the source. However, here are some that are fairly consistent across the literature.
Bureaucratic Leadership
This is sometimes also called authoritative leadership. It is a leadership style that thrives on clear structure, rules and organization. It is a traditional leadership structure with one primary leader and followers underneath. The leader provides the overall direction with guidance and feedback to the team members. While this style can be highly effective in some situations, leaders should be cautious not to micromanage. This structure is common in government.
Transactional Leadership
Also referred to as managerial leadership. It is a style that also has a clear structure and relies on rewards and punishments. In this system, the leader establishes well-defined goals and tasks along with clear expectations about the reward system. Teams (or team members) are rewarded for their work such as a bonus for work well done or may be punished if goals are not met. This leadership style is common in business.
Servant Leadership
This leadership style places priority on the needs of the team. Leaders see value in relationships with team members and are often empathetic, good listeners and have the ability to see multiple perspectives. Team members are included in decisions when feasible and are encouraged to suggest new solutions and solve problems together.
Transformational Leadership
A transformational leader is someone who has strong communication skills to inspire others and create a shared vision among the team. Leaders see potential in individual strengths and empower others on the team by delegating roles and responsibilities. They are comfortable with change and are constantly looking towards the future.
Delegative Leadership
Also known as “laissez-faire” leadership, this style focuses on delegating to team members. It is considered a hands-off leadership style and often known as one of the least directive forms of leadership. Leaders have trust that their team members will get the job done. They tend to not get very involved or provide feedback or guidance. It allows team members creative freedom to meet their goals. This leadership style is most effective with experienced and productive team members. It is less effective with new team members.
Some leaders have the ability to change their leadership style depending on the situation. However, being aware of your natural leadership style is the first step to being adaptive and responsive to the needs of your team or the situation.
My leadership journey started many years ago as a 4-H youth where I learned and practiced leadership skills in a safe supportive environment. In college, this journey continued when I took my skills to the next level through collegiate organizations and teaching a leadership course in graduate school. As a professional, I continue to add to my arsenal of skills. In my opinion, leadership is not a single skill but a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes that help a person develop a leadership quality. It is a destiny that is constantly shaping and changing to be better. What’s your leadership journey?!
For more information about Big Sky Big Leadership or to request a presentation about leadership styles, contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County 406-266-9242 or Allison.kosto@montana.edu.
