by Justin Waggoner, KSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Garden City, KS
The most commonly recognized leadership styles are authoritarian, democratic and laissez-faire. However, there may be seven to 12 different leadership styles that include styles such as transformational, transactional, servant, charismatic, and situational. Although some of these leadership styles are unique, there is also some degree of similarities or overlap as well and in some situations, a leader may change their leadership styles to fit the situation (situational). The concept of situational leadership was first recognized by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard (author of the “One Minute Manager”).
They recognized that successful leaders often adapted their leadership style or styles to the individual or group they were leading. Collectively these different leadership styles remind us that not all leaders lead the same way and some leaders even change leadership styles. There is no one way to lead, motivate and inspire individuals or groups to succeed.
Leadership is complex and we still have a lot to learn about leadership.
For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu
