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Leadership

The Different Types of Leadership Styles

August 30, 2025

When I first stepped into a leadership role, I thought there was one "right" way to lead. Turns out, leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a spectrum. And understanding the different types of leadership styles can make the difference between being a good leader and a great one.

Over the years, I’ve studied, practiced, and even stumbled through many types of leadership in management positions. What I’ve learned is that your leadership style and preferences often evolve with experience, environment, and the needs of your team. Whether you're managing a startup or leading a large organization, knowing your leadership style (and how to use it) is essential.

So, if you’ve ever asked, “What is leadership and types of leadership?” or “Which type of leader is most likely to be successful?”, this blog is for you.

Let’s break down the most recognized leadership models, explore what kind of leadership styles there are, and figure out how to apply them in real life.

What Does Leadership Style Mean?

Your leadership style is the way you guide, motivate, and interact with your team. It influences everything, from decision-making and communication to employee engagement and performance.

There are many different forms of leadership, and each type of leader brings something unique to the table. So when people ask, “How many types of leadership styles are there?” The answer can vary. But generally, most experts agree there are 6 to 10 core leadership categories, each with its own strengths and challenges.

The Main Types of Leadership Styles

1. Autocratic Leadership

This style is all about control. The leader makes decisions unilaterally, expects compliance, and limits team input. It works well in high-pressure situations where quick decisions are necessary, but can stifle creativity in the long run.

  • Best for: Crisis situations or environments where structure and speed are critical.
  • Watch out: It may create resentment or reduce morale.
2. Democratic (Participative) Leadership

One of the most popular types of leadership styles in management, this approach involves team input in decision-making. The leader still has the final say, but values collaboration and transparency.

  • Best for: Teams that thrive on engagement and creativity.
  • Watch out: Decision-making can be slow and inefficient if overused.
3. Transformational Leadership

This is one of my personal favorites. I like to call it the experienced guide leadership style. Transformational leaders inspire, challenge, and motivate their teams to reach beyond what they thought possible.

  • Best for: Organizations going through change or growth.
  • Watch out: Can overlook day-to-day tasks in pursuit of vision.
4. Transactional Leadership

This style is based on clear structure, performance expectations, and rewards. Think of it as “you do this, you get that.” It’s a practical and results-driven approach.

  • Best for: Routine, process-oriented environments.
  • Watch out: Doesn’t leave much room for innovation or autonomy.
5. Laissez-Faire Leadership

This hands-off approach gives employees a lot of freedom. The leader offers support and resources, but minimal direction. It works if your team is self-motivated and highly skilled.

  • Best for: Creative teams and startups with experienced professionals.
  • Watch out: Lack of oversight can lead to missed deadlines and confusion.
6. Servant Leadership

Servant leaders put their team’s needs first. They focus on empathy, listening, and community. It’s one of the most people-centric kinds of leadership in management.

  • Best for: Building trust and long-term team loyalty.
  • Watch out: Lack of oversight can lead to missed deadlines and confusion.

What Are Some Leadership Styles Beyond the Basics?

While the six above are the most known, there are different kinds of leadership styles emerging from new organizational demands and team dynamics. Here are a few more worth noting:

  • Coaching Leadership: Focuses on personal and professional growth of team members.
  • Visionary Leadership: Future-oriented; energizes teams around a shared mission.
  • Bureaucratic Leadership: Follows rules and policies to the letter—ideal in highly regulated industries.
  • Pacesetting Leadership: Sets high standards and leads by example; great for driven teams, but can burn people out.

Which Leadership Style is Considered the Best?

There’s no universal “best.” The most successful leaders know how to flex between types of leadership based on the context. In other words, adaptability is the secret sauce.

  • What does my team need right now?
  • What are my natural strengths?
  • What type of leader do I want to become?

Final Thoughts

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Whether you lean toward servant leadership or identify as a pacesetter, the key is awareness. When you understand the different types of leadership styles, you gain the power to lead with purpose, clarity, and effectiveness.

No single style makes you a great leader. But knowing how and when to apply the right one? That’s leadership.

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