What if your leadership style doesn't have to fit in a box?
Ever feel like you're trying to squeeze yourself into someone else's leadership suit? Maybe it's time to tear up that old pattern and design something that actually fits you.
Traditional leadership models have their place , but today we're going to explore how breaking free from these constraints might be exactly what your team - and what you - need. Let's dive in!
THE OLD GUARD: TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLES
Before we break the mould, let's understand what we're working with:
The Authoritarian Commander
"My way or the highway!"
These leaders make decisions solo, expect immediate compliance, and often create environments where innovation takes a back seat to following orders. Their decisiveness can be helpful but their lack of inclusiveness in hearing ideas, creativity can lead to silent resignation. One organisation I worked for went through 21 employees in less that 1 year all because of this boss!
The Hands-Off Delegator
"Figure it out, I'm in meetings all day."
These leaders provide little guidance or support, leaving team members feeling adrift and unsure of expectations. Short term it feels like freedom but when a decision is needed, it’s like ‘Where’s Wally’.
The Perfectionist Micromanager
"Let me show you exactly how I would do it."
These leaders struggle to trust their team's capabilities, creating bottlenecks and stifling growth.
The People-Pleasing Pushover
"Whatever you think is best!"
These leaders avoid conflict at all costs, leading to unclear priorities and teams that lack direction.
Sound familiar? Maybe you've worked for one (or all) of these types. Perhaps you've even caught yourself slipping into these patterns when the pressure's on!
BREAKING FREE: YOUR LEADERSHIP LIBERATION PLAN
1. Know Yourself (The Real You)
Start by understanding your authentic strengths. What energises you? When have you felt most in flow as a leader? Your most effective leadership style will align with who you genuinely are.
Quick Action: Write down three leadership moments where you felt completely authentic and effective. What patterns do you notice?
2. Blend the Best, Discard the Rest
No need to reinvent leadership entirely! Cherry-pick techniques that resonate with you from different styles:
The clarity of the authoritarian
The trust-building of the delegator
The standards of the perfectionist
The empathy of the people-pleaser
Quick Action: Create your leadership playlist by selecting specific techniques from different styles that work for your personality and team.
3. Seek Feedback (Even When It's Scary)
Your team has front-row seats to your leadership style. Ask them what's working and what's not, then actually listen (don’t shoot the messenger).
Quick Action: Schedule 15-minute check-ins with three team members this week with just one question: "What's one thing I could do differently that would make your work life better?"
4. Experiment Boldly
Try something that feels uncomfortable. If you're naturally detail-oriented, practice stepping back. If you're typically hands-off, try more structured check-ins.
Quick Action: Choose one leadership behaviour that's outside your comfort zone and commit to practising it for two weeks.
WHY YOUR AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP MATTERS
When you lead authentically, magic happens:
Team members sense genuine leadership and respond with increased trust
You conserve energy by not playing a role that doesn't fit
Your team sees permission to bring their authentic selves to work
Innovation flourishes in an environment of trust and authenticity
Remember: your team doesn't need a perfect leadership robot, they need you, with all your unique strengths, experiences, and yes, even your quirks!
I'd love to hear about your leadership journey!
❓What traditional leadership expectations have you shed?
❓What's the most authentic leadership move you've made recently?
Drop me an email and share your story.
