The column "Leadership Whiteboard" provides a short visual leadership coaching moment. It introduces and explains a new sketch in each issue, provides leadership coaching for further development, and shares a leadership quote and recommended resources.
Leadership Whiteboard: Brewing Up Leaderhsip
By Ron Hunter Jr., Ph.D.
Coffee options used to be simple: black, decaf, cream, and sugar. Today, orders like “venti iced caramel macchiato blonde espresso, two shots, four pumps of white chocolate drizzle, and sweet cream” are common. Coffee and leadership have evolved similarly.
Leadership, once synonymous with management, is now viewed as an art with diverse styles. Just as art varies, leadership approaches vary based on the situation. When soldiers come under fire, leaders shift to an autocratic mode, issuing direct orders to save lives. During battle planning, collaboration is more effective.
What are some styles of leadership that may be utilized?
Transactional Leadership: Leaders exchange rewards for performance or compliance. While mostly unhealthy because the leader focuses more on results than relationships, without certain exchanges — paychecks, for instance — no one would follow.
Transformational Leadership: Leaders focus on elevating followers through ideals, inspiration, intellect, and individual consideration. Mordecai demonstrated a transformational approach when Esther rose in power above him, yet he continued to help her develop.
Servant Leadership: Leaders desire to serve others by helping them grow. This involves giving them more power and teaching them how to exercise it. Paul showed servant leadership as he mentored church planters and young leaders.
Biblical Servant Leadership: Based on servant leadership but with emphasis on character, motive, and agenda in keeping with God’s purpose and will. Christ demonstrated this when he shifted power to His disciples to fulfill the great command and commission.
Adaptive Leadership: Leaders help communities face their problems andform new attitudes and behaviors, sharing joint responsibility to improve or
change the projected outcome. Adaptation is needed in light of the many obstacles organizations face today.
Trait Leadership: This leader-centric approach values characteristics and traits considered ideal for a leader: height, voice, knowledge, strength, and other qualities. Trait leadership is demonstrated in Saul’s selection as Israel’s first king, not always true marks of leadership.
Skills Leadership: Many leaders reach their position
as a result of certain skills, which can include expertise,
efficiency, speed, or characteristics that enhance performance.
Ethical Leadership: Leaders help followers focus on a direction that morally benefits the community. The rules of the Bible all fit moral leadership because they exist for both the community and the leader.
After considering a few styles of leadership, you may wonder which one is correct. This answer must be based on the problem, goals, and assets. Determine the best style for the situation, however, most approaches require layering or combination. Just remember, when you order coffee, sometimes you just want it black, but other occasions may require a double-shot Americano with sweet cream.
