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Leadership Style Assessment
1. Introduction: Understanding Leadership Styles
Leadership style refers to the consistent pattern of behavior a leader uses when influencing, guiding, and interacting with others (Northouse, 2021). Assessing one’s leadership style helps individuals understand their natural tendencies, strengths, developmental areas, and the contexts in which each style is most effective.
Key Insight: There is no single “best” style. Effective leaders adapt their styles depending on the task, followers, and situation (Goleman, 2000).
2. Major Leadership Styles (Mixed-Model Framework)
The following leadership styles are commonly used in modern leadership research and personality development studies. These styles reflect behavioral patterns observed across workplaces, educational settings, and social groups.
1. Autocratic Leadership
Leader makes decisions unilaterally, maintains strong control, and expects compliance (Robbins & Judge, 2020).
2. Democratic Leadership
Leader encourages participation, values input, and fosters shared decision-making.
3. Laissez-faire Leadership
Leader gives autonomy to followers, minimizes direction, and allows individuals freedom in decision-making.
4. Visionary Leadership
Leader provides long-term direction, inspires through purpose, and focuses on future possibilities (Goleman, 2000).
5. Coaching Leadership
Leader develops people for the future, emphasizes skill-building, and offers guidance and mentoring.
6. Charismatic Leadership
Leader influences through personal charm, confidence, and inspirational communication (Conger & Kanungo, 1998).
7. Servant Leadership
Leader prioritizes follower well-being, ethical behavior, and service orientation (Greenleaf, 2002).
Example: A teacher who supports each student’s growth, listens empathetically, and focuses on service demonstrates servant leadership.
3. Leadership Style Characteristics Table
| Leadership Style | Core Characteristics | Best Situations |
|---|---|---|
| Autocratic | Directive, fast decisions, strict control | Crisis, time-sensitive tasks |
| Democratic | Participation, shared decisions, collaboration | Creative tasks, group projects |
| Laissez-faire | Autonomy, minimal supervision | Skilled & motivated teams |
| Visionary | Future-oriented, big-picture thinking | Change management, innovation |
| Coaching | Growth-oriented, feedback-rich | Skill development, mentoring |
| Charismatic | Inspiring, emotionally engaging | Motivation, public leadership |
| Servant Leadership | Empathy, ethics, follower-first | Community, education, social leadership |
ЁЯзн Discover Your Leadership Style ЁЯзн
Take this classroom-friendly assessment to identify your dominant Leadership Style — whether you lead through Autocratic, Democratic, Laissez-faire, Visionary, Coaching, Charismatic, or Servant Leadership.
This assessment evaluates your natural approach to leading others using seven evidence-based leadership styles taught in class.
5. Developing Your Leadership Style
Effective leaders intentionally develop flexibility across styles. Evidence shows that leadership adaptability improves team outcomes (Goleman, 2000; Northouse, 2021).
Strategies for Development
- Seek feedback about your leadership behavior.
- Practice active listening to develop democratic and servant traits.
- Shadow a mentor to learn coaching behaviors.
- Set long-term goals to strengthen visionary abilities.
- Improve communication confidence to build charisma.
Example: A student who scores low in democratic leadership may set a goal to ask for group opinions during every meeting to build participation skills.
6. Classroom Activities & Assessment Ideas
Activities
- Leadership Style Debate: Students defend each style using real-world examples.
- Role-play Scenarios: Students lead a group using different styles.
- Leadership Reflection Journal: Weekly entries analyzing leadership moments.
Assessment Ideas
- Short essay: “Which leadership style suits me best and why?” (with theory support)
- Group presentation analyzing leadership in a chosen organization.
- Self-assessment report interpreting results using APA references.
7. FAQs
Q: Is charismatic leadership always effective?
A: No. While charisma can inspire, it may also lead to dependency or emotional manipulation if not grounded in ethics (Conger & Kanungo, 1998).
Q: Can a person develop a leadership style different from their personality?
A: Yes. Research shows leadership skills can be learned over time (Northouse, 2021).
References (APA)
Conger, J. A., & Kanungo, R. N. (1998). Charismatic Leadership in Organizations. Sage Publications.
Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership that gets results. Harvard Business Review, 78(2), 78–90.
Greenleaf, R. K. (2002). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. Paulist Press.
Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). Sage Publications.
Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2020). Organizational Behavior (18th ed.). Pearson.
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