Traditional “Command and Control” leadership styles are now considered outdated; such styles are no longer effective with our quick changing and unpredictable world. The modern leadership style needs a unique, collaborative, and agile approach to deal with challenges.
Today things are more complex than in the old days; every leader faces new challenges in the shape of crisis, risks, technological changes, and many others. The outdated fixed leadership style has failed, and it could not deal with the myriad of challenges that today’s leaders face.
We need a versatile leadership style that not just suits the company culture but is also helpful to deal with the issues during this unpredictable time.
A wider range of leadership styles makes a leader more effective and successful.
Ways to find the right balance and flexibility in your leadership style
A versatile leadership style requires progressing through three major stages.
Stage 1- Self-understanding
Starting with self-understanding, you could never find your comfort level until you understand your weaknesses and strengths. It is also called cognitive self-awareness. It is only possible to notice all the formal and informal feedback when you welcome external feedback.
Stage 2- Understand the situation
Your leadership style must be suitable for each situation. Understand the situation & environment you are working in and what task is in your hand. First, try to understand the situation but not be judgmental. When understanding the situation, a leader should also consider the people’s emotions and what traits and skills people exhibit. You may need focused effort and practice to understand others’ emotions.
Stage 3- Widen your leadership style range
Great leaders understand the situation and adapt their leadership style. As situations arise, you can bridge the gap by applying different approaches.
- Target micro- behaviors
It is very tough to shift your behavior quickly; it is not a one or two-day task. You should target the micro-behaviors to get the desired change in your behavior. Pay close attention to the behaviors during different aspects of every situation. You may see a pattern which in turn, could be an area for improvement.
- Find role models.
It may also be easier for you to seek motivation from peers who possess different leadership skills and capabilities. Once you find the role models, try to develop and apply.
- Look at your team for help.
If you feel bridging the gap in your default style and appropriate response are ineffective in terms of efforts and time, then looking at your team for help to fill the gap could be an excellent strategy.