An effective leader is a versatile actor

Leadership can take many forms, but my focus is on those who manage people. It means coordinating and motivating the actions of others to achieve a common goal – it sounds easy but - one of the most difficult of all tasks.

Most leaders have a natural leadership style. The style of leadership of any leader is usually shaped by the personality and motivational values of that person.

However, the way towards successful leadership is to adapt your personal style to meet the needs and styles of the people and varying situations to achieve a predetermined outcome.

It may sound theoretical but I thought it was important to present the idea in the right context.

People and situations keep evolving

Each individual team member to whom the leader has to provide leadership, is different in every aspect of mind and body.

The thinking and behaviour of each individual is different. Each day brings out a new challenge. Challenges keep evolving and people keep changing. So how can a leader deal with every situation and every team member the same way in a constant style and achieve the same outcome.

Every leader has a combination of all leadership styles but one style will always be the predominantly stronger and more natural way to lead. A leader’s style may also be a blend of his main strength, combined with his other not so strong styles.

A wise leader will understand the strengths and weaknesses of his personal leadership style and use team members with various styles to bring balance and greater efficiency in meeting the shared goal.

Can you emulate another leader?

When you inherit a style from culture or are overly influenced by another person, you may find yourself feeling frustrated and on-edge. You may have the feeling that you are trying to be someone you are not. You will do well to remember that leadership isn't something that you do, it is an expression of who you are.

Learn about various styles and try applying it to find the style that works best for you, your team and your organisation.

A word of caution - do not try to make your preferred (natural) style fit all circumstances. Remain flexible enough to alter your style to fit a particular situation you find yourself in.

Every style has its opportunity

Great leaders have exhibited different kinds of leadership styles. All these leadership styles are beneficial depending on how they are used. Great leaders are visionary people who achieve results using people. They exhibit authority in themselves and instill confidence in their team members.

Circumstances make men, just as much as men make circumstances. Some leaders are democratic, allowing team members to air their opinions. Some are dictatorial, explaining what they want their team members to execute. All styles have opportunity and challenges and may be used in certain circumstances. Great leaders share some features in common. Experience is their priceless jewel which enables them to be in control of their situations. Their functions are the same irrespective of their field, that is, to lead others purposefully and achieve objectives. Although there is much more to successful leadership than selecting the right style, the situational component of leadership is crucial to success. The better you gauge the impact of decisions on team members and how technically self-sufficient they are, the better you can lead.

Leadership success certainly cannot be guaranteed, but knowing when to use or not use a particular style will greatly enhance your capacity to succeed. Knowing what to do and when to do it is half the battle – how to do is easier when you have acquired and developed styles that work best for you.

A successful actor is one who can play any role as natural as possible. An effective leader is one who can adapt a style to suit the situation and diversity of team members, which is a must, to perform under varying conditions.

Don’t jump to conclusions

A leader lives that life - whereas an actor portrays someone else’s life. So there is a fundamental difference. I know you understand that fundamental difference well.