The Art of Leading: Styles that can make an impact

Santiago Toledo Ordoñez
Jul 8, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Aug 26, 2024

Leadership isn’t just a role—it’s a journey, one that each of us embarks on in different ways. Imagine walking into a room filled with people looking to you for guidance. Their eyes are on you, waiting for direction, inspiration, and reassurance. How do you lead them? The answer isn’t simple, and it certainly isn’t the same for everyone. Leadership is as multifaceted as the people we lead, and understanding the different styles of leadership is like learning to navigate a complex landscape.

The Charisma of a Visionary

Think back to a moment when someone spoke, and you felt chills. Perhaps it was a speech that moved you to tears or a vision that made you believe anything was possible. That’s the power of charismatic leadership. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Steve Jobs didn’t just have followers—they had believers. They painted pictures of a better future, so vivid and compelling that people couldn’t help but want to be part of it.

Take the example of Steve Jobs unveiling the first iPhone. The room was electric, not just because of the product, but because of the man presenting it. His confidence, his passion—it was contagious. But this kind of leadership comes with its own set of challenges. What happens when the leader is no longer there? The organization can feel like a ship without a captain, lost without the guiding vision they once followed.

Adapting Like Churchill

Now, imagine yourself in a situation where everything is changing by the minute. The stakes are high, and the outcome uncertain. This was Winston Churchill during World War II. His leadership wasn’t about a single style but about adapting to whatever the moment required. Some days, he was the calm, reassuring voice the nation needed; other days, he was the fierce strategist, pushing for bold action.

This is situational leadership in action. It’s about being flexible, understanding that different moments call for different approaches. But flexibility isn’t easy—it requires a deep understanding of your team and the ability to read situations quickly. It’s like being a chameleon, constantly adjusting to your surroundings, and it can be exhausting. Yet, when done well, it can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Serving to Lead

Picture a leader who is less concerned with being in the spotlight and more focused on lifting others up. This is the essence of servant leadership. Take Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, who once said, "The leader should listen to his team, not just to himself." Ma’s approach was about empowering his employees, ensuring they had the tools, support, and encouragement to succeed.

In servant leadership, the leader’s role is almost that of a gardener—nurturing growth, providing the right environment, and helping others reach their full potential. It’s a deeply rewarding style, fostering loyalty and a strong sense of community. However, like a garden, it requires constant care and attention, and it can be challenging to balance the needs of the individual with the goals of the organization.

Setting the Pace

Imagine working for someone who sets the bar incredibly high, not just for the team but for themselves as well. This is the world of pacesetting leadership, where leaders like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos push the limits of what’s possible. They lead by example, working long hours, expecting perfection, and driving their teams to achieve extraordinary results.

But this high-octane style can be a double-edged sword. While it can inspire and motivate, it can also lead to burnout. Imagine running a marathon at a sprinter’s pace—it’s exhilarating, but not sustainable in the long run. For pacesetting leaders, the challenge is maintaining that intensity without exhausting their teams or themselves.

The Power of Inclusion

Finally, think about a leader who values every voice at the table. This is democratic leadership in action, where the leader isn’t just the one making decisions but the one facilitating a conversation. Nelson Mandela, for instance, was known for his inclusive approach, bringing together people from all walks of life to build a better future for South Africa.

In a democratic leadership style, the leader is like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring that every instrument is heard and that the harmony is maintained. This style fosters creativity and innovation, as it taps into the collective wisdom of the group. But, as with any group, differing opinions can lead to conflict, and reaching a consensus can take time—something that’s not always available in a crisis.

The Ever-Evolving Path of Leadership

Leadership is not a destination; it’s a path we walk, one that winds through valleys of challenges and peaks of triumphs. Along the way, we learn, adapt, and grow. Whether we lead with charisma, adapt like a chameleon, serve quietly, push relentlessly, or foster inclusivity, the key is to keep moving forward, to keep learning.

My journey in understanding leadership continues, with each step bringing more clarity and new questions. The road ahead is long, and I know that the destination will keep changing. But that’s the beauty of leadership—it’s not about arriving; it’s about the journey itself.

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