Leadership styles may vary. It’s a plain and simple truth. The operative concept here to take away though is that different doesn’t mean less effective. This concept also means recognizing that it goes both ways. For example, if you have a different management style than your manager and/or mentor, you can be just as — or even more — effective than they are.
Similarly — this is the clincher — if you’re leading a team, be sure to recognize there is an advantage to acknowledging and appreciating the diversity of backgrounds, operating styles and thoughts… which could make a critical difference.
For example, someone who is strategically focused can offer insightful ideas, approaches and suggestions that others may not have the natural bent to come up with. Likewise, the person on your team who is operationally focused could help further that particular strategy by offering ways to execute or implement the idea or initiative.
The bottom-line is to understand that there is no ideal managerial model, no one-size-fits-all management plan. Rather, it’s about being a leader that infuses one’s own personal style, along with understanding the strengths and motivations of team members. This understanding brings clarity and appreciation to what they can offer to help meet and even exceed team goals as a collaborative effort.
