There are many styles of leadership and many factors that go into making someone be seen as a leader.  Some lead because of positions or job titles, but others just influence humanity and are leaders because people follow them.  For example, President John F. Kennedy was a transformative leader, who caused others to buy-in to his vision.  He motivated the country, and his assassination intensified his impact in history.  President Lyndon B. Johnson was more of an authoritative leader who reportedly called members of Congress to tell them in no uncertain terms what they were going to do.  However, in truth Johnson was the President who looked into the camera and said to America, “We shall overcome.”  He was the President who got the civil rights legislation enacted despite fierce resistance.

In my career thus far, I have experienced several leadership styles, and most notably, I worked with a manager who had a laissez faire (freedom) leadership style.  She would only step in to take action at the crisis level, but really never solved problems; although, she was successful with abating issues. Disengagement resulted in an inability to establish the foundation of trust needed to be effective in problem solving or conflict resolution by diffusing situations before they could turn into problems.  I observed that her style only worked for self-motivated team members, but did not for the ones who needed hand-on supervision and attention.  I think that a more effective way to employ the freedom leadership style would be to find a balance in the approach and to be considered like a coach, who empowers those being led. 

I have also worked with a leader who was less laid back, and took more of a middle ground tactic that I would describe as participative.  He rewarded good work and created a warm family environment.  However, the next leader was extremely controlling and transformed the family environment that the previous leader had fostered into something very different.  It took time for things to turn around under new leadership after she was gone.  

I believe that leadership style comes across in public speakingwhich is the reason why I feel that it [public speaking] facilitates leadership as well.  I am in the process of developing and discovering my unique leadership style.  However, an assessment offered by Toastmasters International scored my leadership style highest as democratic.  This style is described as relying on consensus decision making and being comfortable with allowing others to occasionally lead.  Furthermore, I think that this style is projected when I speak and is perceived by the listeners.  Consequently, I am interested in motivating others and I recognize that I have an ability to encourage and lift my close friends when they feel down.  The more that I think about my leadership goals and work toward achieving them, I see myself as a leader and positive peer influencer.

Now, share your experience with leadership in the comment space below.  I hope that we can consider what makes us leaders and work toward becoming the kind of leaders that we envision. Happy speaking everyone!