Uncovering Leadership
A Journey Toward Finding Your Niche
Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. The most impactful leaders know who they are, what drives them, and how to adapt their approach to different people and situations.
Whether you're leading a team, a project, or a family, understanding your leadership style helps you build stronger relationships, make confident decisions, and navigate change with purpose.
“Leadership isn't about being one kind of person. It's about understanding who you are and leading from that place with clarity and intention.”
— Dr. Emily
Start with Self-Awareness
Leadership begins with knowing your natural strengths and how to flex them when needed. Many of today’s strongest leaders draw from multiple styles to meet the needs of their teams, situations, and missions.
Exploring different leadership approaches helps you:
Clarify how you show up under pressure
Identify the kind of leader your current goals require
Recognize and appreciate other people’s leadership styles
Let’s explore ten common styles and how each one might shape your journey.
10 Leadership Styles to Know
Each style below includes a description, a practical example, and a well-known figure who embodies the approach.
1. Autocratic Leadership
Description: Makes quick decisions with limited input, ideal in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.
Example: A plant manager sets daily production schedules without input to meet strict deadlines.
Known for this style: Steve Jobs
2. Democratic Leadership
Description: Gathers input and encourages collaboration before making decisions.
Example: A design team votes on creative directions after open brainstorming.
Known for this style: Franklin D. Roosevelt
3. Transformational Leadership
Description: Inspires teams to innovate and stretch beyond the status quo.
Example: A CEO rallies her team around a clean energy breakthrough.
Known for this style: Richard Branson
4. Transactional Leadership
Description: Rewards performance based on clearly defined goals.
Example: A call center offers bonuses for employees who exceed response targets.
Known for this style: Vince Lombardi
5. Servant Leadership
Description: Puts the team's needs first, focusing on growth and well-being.
Example: A manager prioritizes development plans and mentorship.
Known for this style: Howard Schultz
6. Laissez-Faire Leadership
Description: Gives highly skilled teams autonomy and independence.
Example: A lab director allows scientists to run their experiments.
Known for this style: Warren Buffett
7. Charismatic Leadership
Description: Leads through personal charm, energy, and emotional connection.
Example: A founder rallies the team with optimism and a bold vision.
Known for this style: Barack Obama
8. Situational Leadership
Description: Adapts leadership approach based on people and context.
Example: A startup leader shifts between coaching and directing as the team grows.
Known for this style: Ken Blanchard
9. Cross-Cultural Leadership
Description: Leads diverse teams with awareness of cultural norms and communication styles.
Example: A global project lead adapts communication across cultures.
Known for this style: Indra Nooyi
10. Strategic Leadership
Description: Balances daily operations with long-term goals.
Example: A nonprofit director aligns short-term campaigns with their 10-year mission.
Known for this style: Alan Mulally
Pause & Pivot: Today’s Reflection
Take a moment with one or more of these questions:
Which leadership style feels most natural to you right now?
Are there styles you’d like to grow into—or return to?
What kind of leader does your current situation call for?
Dr. Emily Recommends
Leadership isn’t about fitting into one box; it’s about understanding your strengths, staying flexible, and showing up with intention. These articles offer quick, insightful reads to help you explore different styles and lead with greater confidence.
How to Find Your Leadership Style — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
This approachable article guides you through identifying and aligning your leadership tendencies with your role. It’s a helpful starting point for professionals exploring how they naturally lead and how they can lead more effectively.Situational Leadership Practices Essential for Today’s Leaders — Forbes Coaches Council
Situational leadership is all about adapting to the needs of the moment. This article explains why flexibility is one of today’s most critical leadership skills and offers tangible ways to practice it with your team.8 Common Leadership Styles (With Benefits and Challenges — Indeed Career Guide
This practical overview outlines eight of the most recognized leadership styles—from visionary to laissez-faire—while highlighting the benefits and potential pitfalls of each. It’s a quick reference guide if you’re evaluating your approach or looking to expand your toolkit.
For the Next Generation: How Kids Can Explore Leadership
Leadership begins early. Kids show signs of leadership daily, whether in school, at home, or among friends.
Help them explore:
Taking responsibility in group settings
Practicing kindness, fairness, and listening
Leading by example with confidence and humility
Parents can model this by pointing out everyday examples:
"That was a great leadership moment when you helped your sibling clean up without being asked."
Encouraging leadership in small ways now helps kids grow into compassionate, capable adults later.
Closing Thoughts
Your leadership style doesn’t have to be fixed. It can evolve as you do.
Understanding different styles gives you the language and tools to lead purposefully and the confidence to shift as needed.
Ready to define your leadership niche?
Book a complimentary session with Dr. Emily to explore your leadership strengths and find the right approach for you.