Finding your Leadership Style...

The old stereo type of an extrovert slightly autocratic leader is a thing of the past.  I work closely with Clients to show them that they can be their authentic selves in the way lead.  Brené Brown's quote "Vulnerability is Greatness" is the mantra that I often use in coaching sessions. 

Finding your voice and a way of leading is about sharing initially who you are and your story so far.  I ask Clients to think of Leaders they have found effective and Leaders they have loathed this helps shape the style they wish to adopt.

To lead anyone there has to be fairness and transparency which in it self gives respect and integrity, there is nothing hidden. 

Often Leadership comes from an internal promotion so there is that awkwardness of stepping into some-one shoes.  The mistake is to be too different, or to just replicate.  The most successful path is being true to who you are and listening in those first few weeks and letting the team lead themselves. 

The transition to Leadership is transformational that move away from being transactional.  As a discussion and a starting point I ask new Leaders to consider the 4 Transformational Leadership Styles:-

• Idealised
• Individualised
• Intellectual
• Inspirational

The Idealised Leaders, is very much led by their values, as to what is wrong or right and a moral path or cause that feels good to follow.  With this in mind they have very loyal followers.

The individualised Leader, considers all the team member and uses  a coaching approach of thinking what is appropriate for every team member and not introducing blanket systems for all.

The intellectual Leader is thinking of new ideas, initiatives and new ways of working.  They bring their intellect and high level of thinking to adopt new ways forward.

The inspirational Leader has the fantastic sound bites and can create the most exciting vision.  They are very encouraging and very future orientated.

It might well be new Leaders see themselves as a combination, and as a Coach you can talk about areas they wish to harness and areas of development.

In my time of working as a Coach I have seen Clients evolve into great Leaders, as they listen to themselves and constantly ask for feedback.  They are authentic and not afraid of sharing vulnerability.  Please do get in touch to discover your Leadership Style.  bev@nuggetsoflearning.co.uk