I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership styles lately, especially after a project at work that went a bit sideways. It got me digging into different ways people lead and how those styles impact a team. So, I thought I’d share my little adventure into the world of what I’m calling “chief style” – you know, how the big bosses do their thing.

First off, I dove into some reading. I found out that there are a bunch of leadership styles, like the classic three: authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire. You’ve got your bossy bosses, your let’s-all-vote bosses, and your do-whatever-you-want bosses. But it’s not just about picking one and sticking to it. The best leaders seem to mix and match depending on what’s going on.
Experimenting with Styles
So, I decided to try this out myself. At work, we have this ongoing project, kind of like our baby, and I’m sort of the unofficial lead. Usually, I’m pretty democratic – I like everyone to chip in with ideas. But this time, I thought, “Let’s shake things up.”
- Week 1: The Dictator – I went full authoritarian. I made all the decisions, told everyone exactly what to do, and when to do it. Man, it felt weird. And let me tell you, the team wasn’t thrilled. It was efficient, sure, but the creativity just tanked. No one was smiling, and I felt like a jerk.
- Week 2: Mr. Nice Guy – Okay, time for a 180. I went full-on supportive, trying to be everyone’s best friend, making sure everyone was happy and felt good. I focused on building everyone up, giving pep talks, and being super positive. It was exhausting, and while people seemed happier, we didn’t get much done. We were all feeling good but not really moving forward.
- Week 3: Hands-Off – This was the laissez-faire week. I basically told everyone, “You know what to do, just do it.” I was there if they needed me, but otherwise, I kept out of it. This one was a mixed bag. Some people thrived, others just seemed lost. It really depended on who was self-motivated and who needed a bit more direction.
Mixing It Up
After my three weeks of leadership experiments, I realized something. It’s not about sticking to one style. It’s about reading the room, understanding the people on your team, and knowing what the project needs at that moment. Sometimes, you gotta put your foot down and make a decision. Other times, you need to step back and let others shine. And sometimes, you just need to be there to support and encourage.
I started to blend the styles. For our project, I found that starting with a clear, somewhat authoritarian direction to set the goals worked well. Then, I’d switch to a more democratic style, getting input from everyone on how to achieve those goals. And when things got tough, or someone was struggling, I’d jump in with a supportive approach. When someone knew exactly what they were doing, I’d take a step back and let them run with it, laissez-faire style.
The Takeaway
So, what did I learn from my “chief style” adventure? A few things. First, leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s more like a dance, where you’re constantly adjusting your steps to the music and your partner. Second, it’s about people. Understanding your team, their strengths, and what makes them tick is key. And lastly, it’s about being real. People can spot a fake a mile away, so whatever style you’re using, it’s gotta be genuine.

This whole experiment has really changed how I approach leading a team. It’s less about what I think a leader should be and more about what the team needs me to be. And honestly, it’s made work a lot more interesting and, dare I say, fun. I’m still learning, of course, but I feel like I’m on the right track. It’s all about adapting, understanding, and, most importantly, connecting with your team on a real level.