Defining Leadership: 7 Key Leadership Styles Explained

Leadership is one of those terms that gets used often but means very different things depending on who you ask. Some see it as authority. Others think of charisma or vision. In reality, leadership is less about holding a title and more about the influence you have on others.

Before you can build a personal leadership development plan, it helps to understand what leadership actually is — and the style you naturally lean towards.

What Is Leadership?

At its core, leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, and influence others towards a common goal. Unlike management, which often focuses on processes and structures, leadership is about people. It’s about creating direction, fostering motivation, and enabling others to perform at their best.

Defining Leadership: 7 Key Leadership Styles Explained

True leadership is not tied to a job title. You can lead from the middle of a team as much as you can from the top of an organisation.

Why Your Leadership Style Matters

Your leadership style shapes how you interact with colleagues, build trust, and make decisions. It influences team morale, productivity, and even innovation.

Being self-aware of your style helps you:

• Play to your strengths.

• Spot blind spots that may hold you back.

• Adapt when the situation calls for a different approach.

If you’re working on a personal leadership development plan, identifying your leadership style is a vital first step.

The 7 Most Recognised Leadership Styles

There is no single “best” leadership style. Each comes with benefits and drawbacks. The key is to know where you naturally fit and how to flex when needed.

1. Transformational Leadership

• Definition: Inspires and motivates others with a compelling vision of the future.

• Strengths: Drives innovation and change. Builds strong team commitment.

• Pitfalls: Can overlook practical details and overwhelm teams with constant change.

2. Transactional Leadership

• Definition: Focuses on structure, rewards, and penalties to achieve results.

• Strengths: Clear expectations, efficiency, strong accountability.

• Pitfalls: Can stifle creativity and reduce intrinsic motivation.

3. Servant Leadership

• Definition: Prioritises the needs of the team above personal or organisational goals.

• Strengths: Builds trust, loyalty, and a strong workplace culture.

• Pitfalls: Can struggle with authority or making tough decisions.

4. Democratic (Participative) Leadership

• Definition: Involves team members in decision-making.

• Strengths: Encourages collaboration, engagement, and creativity.

• Pitfalls: Can be slow when quick decisions are required.

5. Autocratic Leadership

• Definition: A Leader makes decisions unilaterally with little input from others.

• Strengths: Useful in crisis situations where speed and clarity are essential.

• Pitfalls: Can harm morale and suppress innovation if overused.

6. Laissez-Faire Leadership

• Definition: Hands-off approach, allowing individuals freedom to manage their work.

• Strengths: Empowers experienced and self-motivated teams.

• Pitfalls: Risks include a lack of direction or accountability when team members need guidance.

7. Coaching Leadership

• Definition: Focuses on developing people’s skills for long-term success.

• Strengths: Builds capability, fosters growth, and encourages independent thinking.

• Pitfalls: Can feel too slow-moving in high-pressure environments.

How to Identify Your Leadership Style

If you’re unsure where you fall, there are a few ways to gain clarity:

• Self-reflection: Think about how you approach team projects. Do you tend to guide, support, or direct?

• Feedback: Ask colleagues, mentors, or peers about their experiences with your leadership.

• Online assessments: Free tools such as the MindTools Leadership Style Quiz or the Leadership Styles test on VerywellMind can provide useful insights.

Can You Evolve Your Leadership Style?

Absolutely. Leadership isn’t fixed. Many effective leaders adapt their approach depending on the context. For instance, you may naturally be a democratic leader but shift towards a more autocratic style during a crisis.

Blended styles are often the most effective in the long term, especially as organisations face rapid change and uncertainty.

Linking Your Leadership Style to a Personal Development Plan

Knowing your style is only the beginning. Once you’ve identified it, you can start building a personal leadership development plan that focuses on the skills, behaviours, and mindsets you want to strengthen.

If you’d like to explore this further, read our guide on creating a Personal Leadership Development Plan.

Defining Leadership: Conclusion

Defining leadership and understanding the styles that exist is an essential step towards becoming a more self-aware and effective leader. There is no single “right” way — it’s about recognising what fits you, adapting when needed, and continuously developing your approach.

FAQs

1. What is the simplest definition of leadership?

Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, and influence others to achieve a shared goal.

2. Is leadership the same as management?

No. Management focuses on processes and systems, while leadership is about people, influence, and vision.

3. Can I have more than one leadership style?

Yes. Most leaders show traits of multiple styles and adapt depending on the situation.

4. Which leadership style is the most effective?

There’s no universal answer. The best style depends on the context, the team, and the goals.

5. How can I find out my leadership style?

Through self-reflection, feedback from others, and free online leadership style assessments.