by Mike Stratfold

Created on: October 26, 2009

Leadership is such an exciting topic that has been in existence since the beginnings of the first civilizations on earth. Many leaders, philosophers and experts have since written hundreds or even thousand of books on this subject.
To explain this more clearly I feel it is wise to firstly look at both the traditional leadership styles which are as follows,

1 Dictatorial leader.

2 Autocratic leader.
3 Democratic leader.
4 Laissez faire leader.

These styles of leadership have been in existence for thousands of years.

The more modern leadership styles are as follows,

1 Participative leader.
2 Delegative leader.
3 Directive leader.
4 Consulting leader.
5 Negotiative leader.

A Participative leader gets into the action and assists their employees when needed, this is a good way to motivate and observe staff.

A Delegative leader chooses to assign some of their duties to other staff around them. This gives added responsibility to these people and this is where the leader is still ultimately responsible for the outcome of the assigned task.

A Directive leader gives guidance and direction at crucial and busy times and may also be used to assist junior staff as required.

A Consulting leader asks expert staff for advice where it is warranted and required. This makes the staff feel needed and appreciated.

A Negotiative leader learns how to makes deals especially with difficult or stubborn employees. The Negotiative leader finds out the underlying needs and wants of their employees and uses this as a basis for negotiation.

To be a good manager and leader you have to know and understand all of the modern leadership styles as explained above. In essence you should know the styles you utilize the most then work on the leadership styles you don't often use.
To then model this leader behavior you have to use -
1 M.B.W.A , which is management by walking around.
2 To then also give specific positive and constructive, ( not negative) feedback to employees.
3 To rotate employees tasks as required
4 Participate with your staff as required
5 Set the correct and fair benchmarks for others to follow around you.
6 Provide mentoring support and training to all and sundry.
7 Give additional responsibilities to those who deserve it.

If you can master all of these things and can learn the leadership styles then you will be an outstanding manager and leader who will champion and model leadership in your workplace or business.

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