What Is Your Leadership Style?

When you think of leadership styles, what images spring to mind?

Perhaps you see a bold visionary standing alone at the helm of the organization, brimming with charisma. Or maybe it is someone more dictatorial — the boss barking out orders to subordinates. Both forms of leadership are one-dimensional, and in today’s fast-paced environment, the need for creative problem-solving far surpasses the capacity of a leader without interdisciplinary depth.

The old transactional model of doing business for monetary rewards moves us only so far. We are evolving into a new relational paradigm, where how we interact with ourselves, others and our environment is as important as what we produce.

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The Five Co-Active Leadership Styles

From this comes a new multidimensional form of collaborative leadership that incorporates all aspects of who we are. In Co-Active Leadership, there are five key leadership styles, which we are continually moving in and out of throughout our lives and our work.

Leader in Within

Leader Within is the foundation upon which all other leadership styles are built. Leader Within holds both self-acceptance and self-authority, which is reflected by our capacity to act with integrity according to our personal values.

Leader in Front

Leader in Front holds the grand vision and engages and inspires others. Unlike the traditional model of a leader, a Leader in Front does not need to have all the answers and instead captures the range of talent from those around them. By fostering leadership in others, the Leader in Front generates collaboration, involving — and therefore engaging — everyone in the direction and mission.

Leader Behind

In essence, Leader Behind embodies coaching as a competency to evoke the leader in others. Leader Behind listens on all levels, including the space in between words, and connects individual pieces with the greater vision. This is where service is born, behind the scenes, bringing the vision to life.

Leader Beside

Leaders Beside may be called to work in tandem with others, in an authentic partnership where the inner play of leading and following mingles. In this dimension, engaging conversation, dynamic disagreement, and fluid spontaneity foster unexpected results.

Leader in the Field

Leaders in the Field are open to the unknown, understanding that when they let go of what is defined and known, instinct will emerge to guide and direct action. Leaders in the Field set the highest standards by knowing when and how to act in any given situation.

With these five key styles, leadership becomes more agile and resourceful, accessing the greater range of our human capacity. In this multidimensional approach, leadership is no longer defined by role or status. Instead, “leading” becomes a part of who we are. When we take responsibility for how we show up not only for others but for ourselves as well, we become aware of the impact we are having and take ownership of it.

Multiple Styles for Multiple Applications

As organizations use new trends in innovation and technology to improve overall customer service needs, so do those in leadership positions need to find new and agile ways to contribute across a wide range of ever-changing situations. The investment is always worth it.

Where do you notice these five styles emerging within your organizational culture, and where are there opportunities to engage these principles further?

For additional training courses and additional leadership coaching resources, visit Co-Active Training Institute’s website.

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