The Developer This is one of the most noble leadership styles. Similar to people lovers, developers put in special time and effort to understand their team members. Developers want to bring out the best in every team member and are very personally invested in the team. However, unlike people lovers who may treat team members as friends rather than subordinates, developers understand their unique positions as leaders, and want to use their positions to help the individuals in their team. Leaders who lead with this style are very experienced in their subject area and want to pass their skills and knowledge onto their team members in order for them to advance in their respective fields. While this is a great leadership style, it may only be appropriate
The Delegator This is an essential role that every leader has to play one time or another. Delegators understand that although they may be responsible for the work their team produces, they cannot possibly complete projects alone. Good delegators are either not perfectionists, or have let go of their perfectionist tendencies. Delegators have learnt that it is impossible for them to be in total control all the time. They understand that teamwork is only possible when everyone contributes equally, and that the best leaders are able to delegate work to their teammates according to their individual strengths. To do this, delegators have to know their team members well. They are necessary when the team already has a clear goal and there are projects at hand. Remember that teamwork is all about playing your part, so delegators have to ensure that they themselves have been assigned work as well. The last thing leaders need is for teammates to feel their leader is not putting in as much effort as them into the team’s projects!
for teams who have very clear goals and plans and are already successful.
Sometimes, leaders display a predominant leadership style. While this is not wrong, it may be rather ineffective in bringing a team to success. Situations change, and thus leadership
The Brains
styles require change as well. Leaders have to be adaptable.
Leaders who fall under this category
In essence, teamwork is all about respect and communication.
have a knack for dreaming up “the impossible.” They possess the incredible ability to visualize future goals. Howev-
Regardless of what type of leadership style you may have as a leader, or regardless of what type of leader you may have
er, unlike directors, leaders who are “the
as a team player, it is critical to be heard; but be sure to do so
brains” of their team may not always be
respectfully. It is fundamental for leaders to get to know their
able to devise feasible plans in order to
team members personally in order to build better rapport with
achieve their goals. Nevertheless, these leaders are much needed for mature teams and organizations seeking change.
them. The key is to find that balance between retaining a professional relationship with teammates but at the same time,
New teams will also find such leaders
knowing teammates well enough in order to work efficiently
very helpful. Even so, this leadership
with them. One way to build rapport with teammates and get
style can never be used alone, as great
to know them better is to participate in non-work related ac-
goals will never be achieved without precise plans.
tivities together. However, as this may be beyond the scope of this article, we’ll leave that part up to the Human Resources experts!
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