What Type of Manager Are You (or Could You Be)?

What Type of Manager Are You (or Could You Be)?

Management isn’t one-size-fits-all. Great managers come in many styles, each with strengths, challenges, and unique ways of leading. Understanding your natural management style can help you lead with confidence, build stronger teams, and grow into the kind of leader others want to follow.

Popular Management Styles:

• The Visionary: Big-picture thinkers who inspire with purpose and direction.
• The Coach: Focused on developing people, offering guidance and feedback.
• The Democratic Leader: Values collaboration and team input in decision-making.
• The Transactional Manager: Keeps things running smoothly with clear rules and structure.
• The Servant Leader: Prioritises the needs of the team and fosters a supportive environment.
• The Autocratic Manager: Makes decisions independently, often in high-pressure or fast-paced settings.

Ask Yourself:

1. Do I prefer guiding others or giving them space to find their own way?
2. Do I thrive on structure or flexibility?
3. How do I handle conflict or underperformance?
4. What motivates me, results, relationships, or innovation?

Now, think about the best manager you’ve ever had. What made them great? Was it their empathy, clarity, trust, or ability to challenge you in a supportive way?

Then reflect on a manager you didn’t enjoy working with. What behaviours made it difficult? Was it micromanagement, poor communication, or lack of recognition?

Tip: Emulate the traits of great leaders and consciously avoid the habits that hinder growth and morale.

Mastering Situational Leadership: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Mastering Situational Leadership: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

In today’s dynamic workplace, leadership isn’t about sticking to a single style, it’s about adapting. Situational Leadership highlights four distinct approaches: Participating, Selling, Delegating, and Telling.

Each style balances two critical factors: the team’s need for support and their need for direction. Effective leaders know when to step in with guidance and when to empower their team to take the reins.

Are you adjusting your leadership style to match your team’s readiness, or are you leading on autopilot?

Want to explore further?

Here are a couple of insightful books to help you grow your leadership style:

• “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg: provides practical advice for women on negotiation, mentorship, and pursuing goals.
• “Leaders Eat Last” by Simon Sinek: A powerful look at how great leaders build trust and loyalty.
• “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier: Practical tools to become a more empowering and effective manager.

Whether you’re already managing people or preparing to step into leadership, understanding your style is the first step toward becoming the kind of manager people remember, for all the right reasons.

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