What's Your Leadership Style

In a leadership role, your responsibility entails ensuring the successful completion of projects and satisfying upper management with the results achieved. To accomplish this, you must exhibit foresight and a proactive approach, serving as a guiding force through both positive and challenging situations within the workforce. Your leadership style can significantly impact the workplace dynamic, and two distinct styles that are often discussed are transactional and transformational leadership. These styles, each with its own merits, contribute not only to team development and growth but also to personal advancement.

Let's delve into the characteristics of each:

The Transactional Leader

A transactional leader is characterized by their delegation prowess and emphasis on performance metrics. Their focus revolves around achieving end results rather than nurturing relationships. This type of leader thrives on time-sensitive projects, employing strategic thinking and persuasive communication. They exhibit a pragmatic, no-nonsense approach, driving their team relentlessly toward their set goals.

The achievement of success stands as the ultimate objective. Some might perceive them as task-oriented, determined, or even occasionally forceful. These leaders often take charge swiftly upon assuming their role, striving to optimize existing processes or dismantle ineffective ones, irrespective of the systems already in place. Their management style tends to be hierarchical, with limited personal connections to subordinates.

The Transformational Leader

In contrast, a transformational leader concentrates on garnering "buy-in" and cultivating mutual trust among their team members. They invest time and energy in building meaningful relationships that foster enhanced productivity. These leaders possess a keen awareness of each individual's capabilities and strive to uplift productivity through encouragement and coaching. While the overarching objective is to drive productivity, it's achieved by nurturing the skill sets of team members and empowering them. Working under a transformational leader, individuals feel heard, valued, and motivated, fostering a willingness to go the extra mile. These leaders prioritize cohesion and growth within the team, while also aligning with the organization's needs.

Having familiarized ourselves with these leadership types, it's essential to consider which one resonates with you. Are you more transactional or transformational in your leadership approach? Both styles have their advantages and disadvantages. Transactional leadership can deliver swift results but might create daily stress for the team due to its methodical focus. Transformational leadership, while fostering team morale and growth, requires time to establish its effectiveness within an organization.

Here are some reflective questions to consider:

• Do I enter an organization with a readiness to overhaul departments without assessing existing successes? (Transactional)

• Do I critically evaluate processes, seek improvements, and push boundaries? (Transactional)

• Do I actively listen to my team, valuing their insights in problem-solving? (Transformational)

• Do I ensure my team has the necessary resources to succeed? (Transformational)

• Do I prioritize goal achievement and deadlines at any expense? (Transactional)

Remember, there isn't a single right way to lead; it depends on your goals and the context you're in. Embrace your authentic leadership style and consider incorporating attributes from both transactional and transformational approaches that resonate with you. As you lead, your unique blend of qualities will shape your impact on the organization and its members.