I don’t know about you, but I’ve come across some leaders I would do anything for and some I will only do what is expected.  A lot of factors go into the reason we all respond this way, but one factor may be the way a person leads.  As leaders we each have a unique approach and when we recognize our style it can make all the difference in being effective.

Leadership isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Some leaders are direct and assertive, while others lean toward a more passive approach, avoiding confrontation at all costs. Similarly, some leaders thrive on achieving tasks, while others focus on building relationships. So how do you find out where you fit in this spectrum?  I don’t have time in this post to go into everything, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Experimentation: The Key to Discovery

To discover your leadership style, the first step is experimentation. When you step into a leadership role, you may not immediately know the best way to lead. And that’s perfectly okay! Leadership is a journey of growth and self-discovery. Instead of trying to “fake it until you make it,” I encourage you to try different approaches.

Engage in varied ways of communicating with your team. Lead by example, and also explore different ways of motivating and inspiring those around you. As you experiment, you’ll start to uncover what truly resonates with you and connects with them.

Understand Your Orientation: Task vs. People

It’s essential to recognize whether you have a natural inclination towards tasks or relationships. Are you someone who reflects on the day and thinks, “What did I accomplish today?” If so, you may be task-oriented. Or do you find yourself pondering, “Who did I connect with? Who did I help?” If that’s the case, you likely lean towards a people-oriented approach.

Neither orientation is inherently good or bad, but self-awareness is critical. If you’re predominantly task-oriented, make a conscious effort to engage with and care for your team members. On the other hand, if you’re people-focused, be deliberate about ensuring that tasks get completed efficiently. Balancing both aspects is vital for effective leadership.

Adaptability: Reading the Room

Adaptability is another core component of effective leadership. As a leader, you must read the room—recognizing when to adopt a more directive approach and when to slow down and engage on a relational level. The context of your leadership matters greatly.

Reflecting on my background in sports performance, I remember a time when I managed to keep athletes focused on their tasks. I thought I was leading effectively, yet I realize now that I was merely managing. Once I shifted my focus to understanding the motivations of each athlete, I truly stepped into a leadership role.

Finding Your Unique Style

So, how do you start finding your unique leadership style? Take time to experiment with different techniques and approaches, reflect on your task versus relationship bias, seek out opportunities to learn from other leaders, and remain flexible in your approach.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of leadership, I encourage you to download my free leadership ebook on three ways to lead better at work and home at leadwell.biz. You’ll also receive valuable insights directly to your inbox every week, designed to inspire your personal growth as a leader.

Which of these areas do you need to grow in as a leader?  Take time this week and set one practical action step to keep you moving forward in your leadership.  If you need help understanding how you are doing in four keys areas of your leadership take the free assessment at leadwell.biz to learn more about your style as a leader.  Make it a great week and lead well!

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