9 Leadership Styles

Think you’re a “Coaching Leader”?
That might be the exact thing holding your team back.
Most managers proudly say: “I follow the coaching style.”
But real leaders?
They adapt—because one style can’t solve every problem.
When you shift your style, you improve:
✅ Team performance
✅ Engagement
✅ Ownership
✅ Results
Here’s a BD team–focused cheat sheet on when each leadership style works—and how to use it smartly:
🔥 1. Visionary Leadership
Use when: energy drops, targets slow down
Do this:
• Reconnect the team to the “bigger mission”
• Show how their work creates impact
🤝 2. Democratic Leadership
Use when: cross-functional alignment is needed
Do this:
• Ask for input before decisions
• Build plans together to drive buy-in
🧭 3. Servant Leadership
Use when: the team feels blocked or overloaded
Do this:
• Ask what’s slowing them
• Remove roadblocks so they can execute
⚡ 4. Autocratic Leadership
Use when: time is limited + decisions are stuck
Do this:
• Make the call—clear, calm, confident
• Bring back momentum
🎯 5. Coaching Leadership
Use when: someone is still building BD confidence
Do this:
• Give frequent feedback
• Celebrate small wins to build competency
🚀 6. Transformational Leadership
Use when: the team is ready for the next level
Do this:
• Set a bold vision
• Model the growth mindset you expect
📌 7. Transactional Leadership
Use when: follow-through begins slipping
Do this:
• Set crystal-clear goals & timelines
• Reinforce accountability
🧘‍♂️ 8. Laissez-Faire Leadership
Use when: top performers are in flow
Do this:
• Give autonomy
• Stay available—don’t micromanage
🔄 9. Situational Leadership
Use when: no one style fits
Do this:
• Read the room
• Lead with intention, not ego
The truth:
You don’t need to master all styles.
But you MUST be:
🔹 Self-aware
🔹 Flexible
🔹 Tuned into your team’s reality
💬 What’s your default leadership style?
And which one do you need to lean into more this year?