Leadership is a key aspect of management that profoundly impacts an organization’s success. Every manager has a unique leadership style, shaped by their experiences, values, beliefs, and the environment in which they work. Discovering your leadership style is an important step towards becoming a more effective leader and maximizing your impact on your team and organization.

In this post, we’ll explore how managers can discover their leadership style, according to entrepreneur Raphael Sternberg, with a focus on self-reflection, seeking feedback, considering values and beliefs, and continuous learning.

The Importance of Leadership Style

Your leadership style affects not only how you interact with your team but also how your team performs. Different situations and team dynamics may require different approaches, and understanding your inherent tendencies allows you to adapt more effectively.

Benefits of Knowing Your Leadership Style

• Enhanced Communication: Clear and effective communication becomes easier when you understand your natural style.
• Improved Team Morale: Adapting your leadership approach to meet the needs of your team can boost morale and productivity.
• Personal Growth: Self-awareness is a key component of personal and professional development.

Steps to Discover Your Leadership Style

1. Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is the first step in understanding your leadership style. Take time to think about your past experiences as a leader. What strategies worked well? What didn’t? By evaluating your actions and their outcomes, you can identify patterns in your leadership behavior.

Questions to Consider:

• What are my strengths as a leader?
• What areas need improvement?
• How do I handle stress and conflict?
• How do I prefer to communicate with my team?

2. Seeking Feedback

Sometimes, an external perspective can provide insights that self-reflection alone cannot. Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, and team members. Constructive criticism can highlight blind spots and offer a more rounded view of your leadership style.

Methods to Gather Feedback:

• One-on-One Meetings: Schedule regular check-ins with your team to discuss your leadership effectiveness.
• Anonymous Surveys: Use tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to collect honest feedback.
• 360-Degree Reviews: This comprehensive approach gathers feedback from everyone you interact with professionally.

3. Considering Values and Beliefs

Your core values and beliefs play a significant role in shaping your leadership style. Reflect on what matters most to you in a work environment. Are you more focused on innovation, teamwork, or achieving results? Understanding these priorities can help you lead in a way that is authentic and aligned with your principles.

Questions to Consider:

• What values drive my decision-making?
• How do my beliefs influence my interactions with my team?
• What kind of work culture do I want to create?

4. Continuous Learning

Leadership is not a static skill—it evolves with experience and education. Commit to continuous learning to refine your leadership style. Attend workshops, read books on leadership, and stay updated with industry trends.

Recommended Resources:

• Books:
• “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek
• “Drive” by Daniel H. Pink
• “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni
• Workshops:
• Leadership training programs provided by organizations like Dale Carnegie or the Center for Creative Leadership.
• Online Courses:
• Platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer courses tailored to developing leadership skills.

Raphael Sternberg’s Insights on Leadership

Raphael Sternberg, a renowned entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of flexibility in leadership. He believes that while it’s crucial to understand your natural style, adaptability to different situations and team needs is the hallmark of a successful leader.

Key Takeaways from Raphael Sternberg:

• Be Adaptable: Different problems may require different leadership approaches.
• Nurture Relationships: Building strong relationships with your team can enhance trust and collaboration.
• Stay Humble: Always be open to learning and growing, no matter how experienced you are.

Conclusion

Discovering your leadership style is a continuous journey that involves self-reflection, seeking feedback, staying true to your values, and committing to ongoing learning. By understanding and refining your leadership approach, you can significantly impact your team’s success and your organization’s overall performance.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Sign up for a free consultation with our leadership development experts and start your path to becoming a more effective leader today.