Understanding and Developing Leadership

Indeed, a person with excellent leadership skills inspires, motivates and guides their teams to success. They foster an environment conducive to collaboration and achievement. Let’s take a closer look at this highly sought-after soft skill!

The different leadership styles

There are several leadership styles, comparable to management styles, each designating an approach used to guide a team. Each has its advantages depending on the context. Some of the most common are:

• Authoritarian leadership: decisions are made unilaterally. This method is useful when deadlines are tight or in crisis situations requiring quick decisions.

• Democratic leadership: decisions are collective and participatory, encouraging involvement, the sharing of know-how and mutual trust. Particularly effective with highly skilled teams.

• Directive leadership: the leader gives precise instructions, exercises strong decision-making power, and closely monitors activities. Relevant for teams lacking experience (interns or individuals in transition).

• Participative leadership: emphasizes teamwork, creativity and innovation by actively involving motivated team members.

• Transformational leadership: aims to inspire and motivate teams to achieve ambitious goals, suited to those who thrive on intellectual stimulation and a genuine desire to excel.

Whatever the style adopted, each brings unique benefits to the organization.

The challenges of leadership

Leaders face common challenges in their role. They must learn to manage diverse personalities and skill sets within the team. It can sometimes be difficult to maintain the motivation and engagement of team members over the long term. In certain situations, leaders may be required to make difficult—and sometimes unpopular—decisions. Finally, leaders must know how to balance the company’s objectives with the well-being of the teams. An effective leader needs to be able to meet the challenges they will face throughout their professional career.