“ The best leaders don’t know just one style of leadership – they’re skilled at several and have the flexibility to switch between styles as the circumstances dictate.”—Daniel Goleman Leadership style is a choice. The approach the leader takes in working with their team impacts the leader, the team, and process outcomes. Daniel Goleman is one of the foremost proponents of Emotional Intelligence, the concept of how effectively we manage our emotions and understand the emotions of others. Of all his writings, I find his discussion of leadership types most challenging. He suggests that there are six common leadership styles. In a recent LinkedIn post , he revisits these styles. Command--"Do What I Tell You" The leader provides clear, decisive direction when it is felt essential, communicating certainty. This style is essential in genuine crises—but overuse erodes morale and initiative. I...
In our coach training program, we are currently conducting a survey of our students and former students to both evaluate their takeaways from training and how we can continue to support them in using their coaching skills. One of the questions is, “What is the single most impactful concept, tool, or ‘aha moment’ you carry with you from your training?” Here are some of the responses: "The client owns their own choices/decisions." “Realizing the wisdom comes from the client.” “I’m not responsible for fixing.” “Avoid being a problem solver.” These responses show that these coaches have a keen awareness that the client is a responsible, knowledgeable, and has the potential for growth. I often remind myself that when I engage with a new client in the coaching conversation, the individual brings these things to the table: First, they have agency—the capacity the make their own choices. Even in difficult situations, the client is re...