Leadership Styles

An officer friend of mine in Africa (Paul Pelletier) sent me some notes from an Officer's Councils he attended on leadership styles and personality types. There's some very interesting stuff in here, so I offer it for your enjoyment and information. When looking through these, we should always include the giftedness of the person as well.

Autocratic or Dictatorial: Single leader - gives orders to others; This style can be beneficial if the leader has very good information and can make a well informed decision. Also, the leader needs to know he or she has the support of their followers. This style can make quick decisions but does not promote teamwork or creativity among followers.

Authoritative: Leadership that utilizes a chain of command. This style can maintain control while being a little flexible, can bring quick decisions or
delegate tasks to others for participation and teamwork. Organizationally, it can work democratically with some leaders and autocratically with others.

Democratic or Consultative: Leadership that gives opportunities to others to advise. When the leader lacks information necessary to make a good decision the consultative approach is best.

Participative Leadership: Team leadership with people working together toward a set of goals. When supporters/followers are not likely to cooperate in a set of circumstances the Participative approach may help.

Within these leadership styles are personality traits of leadership behavior.

Type A Leaders: Tend to be well organized and goal oriented. This style works best in attaining goals and bringing order to chaos. Type A leaders tend to look for other goal oriented individuals who will assist them in attaining the success of their tasks.

Type B Leaders: Tend to be more relationally oriented. This style promotes supporter participation, teamwork and creativity among followers. Type B leaders tend to look more for others who value harmony in relationships.

Charismatic Leadership: Charismatic leadership is an extremely strong, visionary leadership that appeals to both Type A & B followers. While the high expectations and strong goal of a vision appeals to type A personalities, type B personalities are willing to let go of any suspicions in the hopes of gaining something for themselves if the vision is accomplished.

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So what do you think? Do you have anything to add? There are obviously many different takes on leadership styles and types. I'd be interested in hearing from some of you on the subject.