The Leadership style that trumps all styles

There are as many leadership styles as there are leaders. Leadership styles, much like personalities, ebb and flow. One leader could be autocratic on Monday when under the pump and laissez-faire on Friday afternoon as the work week draws to a close.

So, can you really classify your leadership style? And is classification even needed?

I don’t think so.

But before I explain why, let’s first touch on the leadership styles most talked about in leadership circles.

Eight most common leadership styles

Can you define your leadership style with any precision?

As you can probably feel within yourself, we all have components of each style within (yes, some more than others).  And no one style applies to all scenarios. We draw on facets of each type depending on the situation and circumstance. For example, when my child was young, and I was often sleep-deprived, I was far more likely to respond in an autocratic way than I am now. Leadership styles are situational.

I think it’s important to understand the different styles but, at the same time, know that we are not bound in any one category.

What makes an exceptional leader is the ability to draw on the positive attributes of each style in the face of different challenges. We do that by accessing the part of ourselves that sits above and behind all of these leadership styles. In fact, this one quality is the canvas upon which all these leadership styles are painted on.  

That quality is awareness. Cultivating awareness is the way of a self-actualised leader.  

When we work towards self-actualisation and lead from that place, we naturally draw on all the positive attributes of each leadership style. And the negative qualities wash away.

What is self-actualised leader?

Self-actualisation is the development of an individual’s full abilities and potential. Common characteristics of a self-actualised leader include:

• Accept themselves and others for who they are

• Can tolerate uncertainty

• Highly creative

• Motivated to find solutions to greater social problems (rather than personal problems)

• Strong moral / ethical standards

• Honest and unpretentious

• Works hard / take responsibility for actions

• Open to other people’s ideas and opinions

• Empathy with and appreciation of all of humanity

• Appreciates life

According to Abraham Maslow in his infamous ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs’ (see image below), the path toward actualisation first requires the satisfaction of needs lower in the hierarchy.

Leadership Styles

It is challenging to be an exceptional leader while we are toughing it out at the bottom of the pyramid. I would even suggest that outstanding leadership requires self-actualisation.

Self-actualised leaders cultivate workplaces characterised by stellar performance, and at the same time, compassion, kindness and wellbeing. They possess a combination of strong social, communication and emotional skills, working together with knowing how to get the best out of their people.

In other words, it is a matter of substance over style.

Conclusions

We build substance as a leader firstly through awareness. From awareness, humility, accountability, inspiration and trust are born. It is the leaders who've reached the pinnacle of self-awareness that are the most successful. This is the path of a self-actualised leader.  

That is why I argue that self-actualisation is the leadership style that trumps all leadership styles. In fact, it is the pathway to a more compassionate and inspired world.

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