Discovering the Different Types of Leadership

Leadership is a complex concept that can be approached in many different ways. One way to think about leadership is to look at three types of leadership styles: Leaders of Self, Leaders of Others, and Leaders of Leaders. Each level focuses on different aspects of being a good leader and requires different skills and abilities. In this article, we will explore these three levels of leadership in more detail.

Leaders of Self

At this level, leaders are focused on developing their own personal leadership skills and abilities. This includes things like self-awareness, self-regulation, and the ability to adapt to new situations. Leaders at this level can effectively manage their own emotions and behaviours. They take responsibility for their own actions and results. They do not blame others for their mistakes and they do not wait for someone to provide what they need in order to move forward.

Everyone alive falls in this category – we all need to be responsible for ourselves.

Leaders of Others

At this level, leaders are focused on leading and managing the performance and development of a team or group of individuals. This includes setting objectives, creating an inclusive work culture, and providing guidance and support to team members. Leaders at this level can effectively communicate with and motivate their team and create an environment that fosters collaboration and teamwork. This would be a group of rock-solid followers and provide the backbone and stability for achieving company objectives. No one is left behind; everyone is engaged and participating.

Leaders of Leaders

At this level, leaders are focused on leading and managing a team of leaders. Ambitious, strong-willed, determined individuals who could quite easily do their own thing. This requires coaching and mentoring, as well as collaboratively setting the direction and strategy for an organisation. Leaders at this level need greater personal leadership capacity, can effectively develop the leadership skills and abilities of those around them and can create a culture that promotes leadership development at all levels of the organisation.

Overall, effective leadership involves personal development, the ability to lead and manage others, and the ability to develop the leadership skills of those around you.

Conclusion: Effective leadership involves a combination of personal development, the ability to lead and manage others, and the ability to develop the leadership skills of those around you. It is essential to understand the different leadership levels and continuously work on developing your own skills and abilities as a leader. By focusing on each level, leaders can create a culture that promotes leadership development at all levels of the organisation.