Developing Leadership Styles to Improve Team Performance

Leadership plays a critical role in determining the success of a team. The way a leader communicates, motivates, delegates, and manages challenges directly influences the performance, morale, and engagement levels of their team members. While there is no single “perfect” leadership style, developing a range of leadership styles and applying them flexibly can significantly improve team performance across various industries and organisational settings.

This Best CIPD Assignment Help explores different leadership styles, how they affect team performance, and practical strategies for developing leadership approaches that bring out the best in teams.

🔍 Understanding Leadership Styles

A leadership style refers to the way a person leads others, makes decisions, communicates, and exercises authority. Over the years, numerous leadership models have been developed, but some of the most widely recognised styles include:

1. Autocratic Leadership

In this style, the leader makes decisions independently with little input from team members. It's highly directive and can be effective in crisis situations or when quick decisions are necessary.

• Pros: Clear direction, fast decision-making.

• Cons: Can demotivate team members, suppress creativity.

2. Democratic (Participative) Leadership

This approach involves team members in the decision-making process. Leaders encourage discussion, feedback, and shared responsibility.

• Pros: Increases engagement, boosts innovation.

• Cons: Slower decision making, potential for conflict.

3. Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their teams with a shared vision. They focus on personal development, innovation, and change.

• Pros: Encourages high performance, fosters loyalty.

• Cons: Requires emotional intelligence and strong communication.

4. Transactional Leadership

This style is based on structured tasks and rewards. It works well in goal-driven environments where roles are clearly defined.

• Pros: Increases efficiency, clear expectations.

• Cons: Limits creativity, can feel impersonal.

5. Laissez Faire Leadership

Leaders offer minimal direction, allowing team members to manage their own tasks. Effective with highly skilled, self motivated teams.

• Pros: Encourages independence, innovation.

• Cons: Risk of disorganisation or lack of accountability.

6. Coaching Leadership

A coaching leader focuses on long term development of team members by offering guidance, support, and constructive feedback.

• Pros: Builds skills, strengthens relationships.

• Cons: Time consuming, may be less effective in fast paced environments.

🧠 The Link Between Leadership Style and Team Performance

Leadership is not just about giving instructions it's about influencing behaviour, driving motivation, and setting the tone for how a team operates. When the leadership style aligns with the team’s needs and the task at hand, performance tends to improve.

Let’s explore how leadership styles influence key elements of team performance:

✅ 1. Motivation and Morale

A democratic or transformational leader can significantly increase team morale by valuing contributions, recognising achievements, and inspiring purpose. On the other hand, an overly autocratic approach may demotivate employees by denying them a voice.

✅ 2. Productivity and Efficiency

Transactional leadership may boost productivity when tasks are routine and clearly defined. However, when creativity or adaptability is required, a coaching or transformational style can unlock greater potential.

✅ 3. Communication and Collaboration

Leaders who promote open communication especially through democratic or coaching styles create a culture of collaboration and trust, which leads to stronger teamwork and fewer misunderstandings.

✅ 4. Innovation and Creativity

Laissez-faire and transformational leaders often create space for innovation by allowing employees to take ownership and try new ideas. However, without clear structure, this may lead to inconsistencies.

✅ 5. Employee Development

Coaching and transformational styles are particularly effective at encouraging continuous learning and development, leading to higher long term performance and retention.

📈 Why Adaptability is the Key to Effective Leadership

There is no "one size fits all" approach to leadership. Effective leaders assess each situation and adapt their style accordingly a concept known as situational leadership.

Example:

• A team of experienced engineers might thrive under a laissez-faire approach.

• A newly formed team may require clear direction and structure, calling for autocratic or transactional leadership.

• During a crisis, quick, top down decisions may be necessary, whereas periods of change may call for transformational leadership to maintain morale.

This adaptability ensures that the leader provides what the team needs at the right time, helping to boost performance without creating friction or confusion.

🔧 How to Develop Your Leadership Style

Developing effective leadership styles is a continuous process that involves self awareness, reflection, and skill building. Here’s how leaders can evolve and enhance their approach to improve team performance:

🔍 1. Assess Your Natural Leadership Tendencies

Start by identifying your dominant style. Do you prefer to delegate or take control? Are you more task-focused or people-focused?

Tools to help:

• Self assessment questionnaires (e.g., DISC, MBTI)

• 360 degree feedback from team members

• Reflection journals

📚 2. Study Different Leadership Models

Understanding theories such as Goleman’s Six Leadership Styles, Lewin’s Leadership Styles, or Hersey Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Model can provide insight into when and how to apply different styles effectively.

🤝 3. Seek Feedback and Be Open to Change

Ask team members and peers how your leadership affects them. Honest feedback can reveal blind spots and help you adjust your approach.

Tip: Make feedback a regular part of your leadership routine, not just during performance reviews.

🧘 4. Develop Emotional Intelligence (EI)

Emotionally intelligent leaders can manage their own emotions, understand others, and handle interpersonal relationships judiciously. EI is crucial for switching leadership styles appropriately and maintaining team cohesion.

Key EI skills include:

• Self awareness

• Self regulation

• Empathy

• Social skills

• Motivation

🧑‍🏫 5. Get Leadership Coaching or Mentoring

Working with a coach or mentor can accelerate your development. They can offer personalised advice, identify growth areas, and help you apply theory to real world challenges.

🔄 6. Experiment and Reflect

Try different leadership approaches with different individuals or teams and reflect on the outcomes. What worked well? What caused resistance?

Leadership is a dynamic skill the more you experiment and reflect, the better you’ll become at flexing your style.

🏢 Real World Application: Leadership Styles in Action

Here are examples of how varying leadership styles can impact team performance in different industries:

💼 In a Sales Team

• A transactional leader sets clear KPIs and uses bonuses as motivation.

• A transformational leader motivates the team with a compelling vision and recognition.

• Combining both styles can lead to higher motivation and target achievement.

🏥 In a Healthcare Setting

• During emergencies, an autocratic style is essential to make quick decisions.

• For long-term improvements and patient care, a coaching style helps staff build confidence and autonomy.

• This combination ensures both safety and staff development.

🖥️ In a Tech Start Up

• A laissez faire or transformational leader might empower developers to innovate.

• However, during tight deadlines, a more directive approach may be necessary to maintain focus.

• Switching styles based on project phases maximises output and creativity.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Leadership Style is a Tool, Not a Label

Developing effective leadership styles is not about choosing one and sticking to it it’s about building a toolkit of styles and using the right one for the right situation.

Great leaders are those who can read their environment, understand their team, and adapt their approach in a way that inspires, empowers, and drives high performance.

“The best leaders don’t just lead they listen, learn, adapt, and grow with their team.”

Whether you’re a team leader, HR manager, or aspiring executive, investing in your leadership development will pay dividends in improved morale, productivity, innovation, and organisational success.