by Laura Ross
For Thomas.net
Image Credit: Prostock-studio / Shutterstock.com
From Arianna Huffington’s “nap pods” to Martha Stewart’s “maniacal” perfectionism, there are abundant ways to lead an organization. Some leaders favor a hands-off approach, while others implement rules, regulations, targets, structures, and other measures to keep tabs on their workforce and company vision.
The formula for great leadership depends on the output of the company being led — some industries lend themselves to a transformative style, while others rely on bureaucracy. Here are eight of the most common leadership styles, as well as insight into the global leaders who embody them.
1. The Cheerleader
“I found that the more you care about your team, the team will care about you and the team will care about their customers.” — Jack Ma, Chinese business magnate.
Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba, believes in empowerment, not micromanagement. He doesn’t get too involved in day-to-day decision-making, instead championing the skills and creativity of his people as they push for their goals.
A Cheerleader boss like Ma knows their staff. This type of manager knows their employees’ strengths and weaknesses, what motivates them, how they work in a team, and who they work well with. The Cheerleader nurtures teams of people with varying types of expertise, nourishing them with positivity, motivation, and opportunities for individual success.
This style of leadership can be time intensive — necessitating lots of one-on-ones with employees — but it can make for supportive, popular, and innovative workplaces.
