How can different leadership styles improve team resiliency during a Culture Change initiative?

1 Autocratic leadership

Autocratic leaders are authoritative, decisive, and directive. They set clear goals and expectations, and they expect their teams to follow their instructions without much input or feedback. This style can be useful when there is a need for speed, clarity, and consistency, especially in times of crisis or uncertainty. However, it can also create a culture of fear, dependency, and low morale, which can undermine team resiliency and innovation. Autocratic leaders should be aware of the potential negative impacts of their style and balance it with more collaborative and supportive approaches.

3 Transformational leadership

Transformational leaders are visionary, inspirational, and motivational. They articulate a compelling vision and purpose, and they inspire their teams to align with it. They challenge and support their teams to grow and develop, and they recognize and reward their achievements. This style can be effective when there is a need for innovation, adaptation, and transformation, especially in times of disruption or opportunity. However, it can also create a culture of unrealistic expectations, burnout, and frustration, which can damage team resiliency and performance. Transformational leaders should be aware of the potential pitfalls of their style and balance it with more realistic and pragmatic approaches.

4 Servant leadership

Servant leaders are humble, empathetic, and supportive. They put the needs and interests of their teams above their own, and they serve them by providing resources, guidance, and feedback. They listen and understand their teams' emotions, motivations, and challenges, and they help them cope and thrive. This style can be helpful when there is a need for trust, loyalty, and well-being, especially in times of stress or hardship. However, it can also create a culture of dependency, complacency, and lack of accountability, which can reduce team resiliency and initiative. Servant leaders should be aware of the potential risks of their style and balance it with more assertive and challenging approaches.