Leadership is more than a position. Being a leader requires taking action and setting an example. There comes a time in everyone's life where you’re intentionally or randomly thrusted into a position of leadership. Whether you’re leading a team, a project, an entire organization, or a meeting, you consciously or unconsciously are implementing one or a mix of a few different styles of leadership.

There are many factors that help to mold one’s leadership style: life experience, personality, organizational culture, environmental influences and beyond.

It’s very common to think about leadership, and leaders, as simply GOOD or BAD. Leadership goes beyond GOOD or BAD though. It’s not always that straightforward.

“One of the most important things for any leader is to never let anyone else define who you are. And you define who you are. I never think of myself as being a woman CEO of this company. I think of myself as a steward of a great institution.” – Virginia Marie "Ginni" Rometty

For leaders, or those aspiring to be leaders, understanding the numerous approaches to leadership is very important. Identifying the successes and shortcomings of your leadership methodology and analyzing why it does and doesn’t work in certain situations, is equally important.

Through learning about the FIVE different styles we’re going to discuss today, you should be able to become more flexible in your management strategies and adapt to the different obstacles leaders often face.

1) Autocratic

2) Authoritarian

3) Democratic

4) Laissez Faire

5) Transactional

Not everyone is a natural-born leader, but practice makes perfect. It may seem difficult to change leadership styles, or develop your signature style, but it’s WORTH it if the success of your organization, project, or team is truly important to you. Authenticity is contagious and inspiring; dishonesty and deception isn’t. Your followers can smell your BS from a mile away.