The Measurement of a Leader
As limited as my experience has been in the world of corperate America, I've been able to experience several leadership styles. At the same time, my girlfriend has been taking several leadership classes as a part of her masters program. While she recounts to me the various topics the class's have discussed, one article she read stood out to her.
How to Develop Your Leadership Style: Concrete advice for a squishy challenge — Suzanne J. Peterson, Robin Abramson, and R.K. Stutman, Harvard Business Review
In short, the article discusses different leadership styles and bundles them into two categories. "Powerful Styles" - with markers like 'Less Polite', 'Formal', 'Direct' and 'Careful Pronunciation' and "Attractive Styles" - with markers like 'eye contract', 'polite', 'informal' and 'empathetic responses'.
Peterson and the other authors of the paper make sure to state that its not good or bad to have these traits. Rather, its simply styles that sometimes work best in some situations and better in others. Its the combination of these styles and the ability to adapt to a different style as the need comes that creates a better leader. This was my interpretation at least.
In the same week that I read this, I was fortunate enough to listen to an individual who worked closely with NFL head coach Dick Vermeil. In the speakers recounting of Vermeil, what set him apart from some coaches was his ability to get to know each individual player and understand how best to motivate and guide them. These were grown men and professional athletes, they knew their sport. For those who required and wanted formal, powerful style of coaching, Vermeil would embody that. If the player was not one to respond well to that style, he knew a more attractive approach was needed.
More than anything though, he got to know them. Got to understand who they were and why they were there.
If I could add to the paper, these styles, for the same reason as to why a leader must be mindful to adapt them as the situation arises, so should they also come to know what best works for the people they lead. To not do so risks demotivation, loss of respect, and development of the wrong culture.
If you put in the effort, show you care, lead like a coach, just might win a Superbowl and get your team called the Greatest Show on Turf