So you want to become a better technology leader? That's fantastic! But before you embark on your journey, let's pause and ask an important question: Do you know your leadership style? If not, don't worry! We’ll learn about leadership styles and how understanding yours can help you chart a path to becoming an exceptional technology leader.
Discovering Your Leadership Style
As you strive to become a better leader, the first step is understanding the type of leader you want to be. Leadership styles vary, and each one has unique strengths and characteristics. Here are a few common leadership styles to consider:
Transformational Leader: If you see yourself as a visionary, inspiring others with big ideas, you might align with the transformational leadership style.
Collaborative Leader: If fostering strong teamwork and empowering your team are your strengths, collaborative leadership might be your style.
Servant Leader: Coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, servant leaders prioritize the needs of others, leading with empathy and a focus on serving their team.
Understanding your desired leadership style is crucial as it will align with your goals and aspirations as a leader. But how can you figure out your leadership style? Let's go through three steps together.
Step 1 - Take a Formal Assessment and Seek Feedback
Don't worry; this is not like the one-hour tests from high school. A formal assessment such as the DISC Profile or Strengths Finder can be incredibly helpful if you're unsure of your leadership style. By understanding your strengths and tendencies, you can gain insights into the type of leader you naturally are.
Seek feedback from those who work closely with you, such as team members, colleagues, and supervisors. Ask them questions like:
How would you describe my leadership style?
What are some strengths and areas for improvement?
How do you feel supported or motivated by my leadership style?
Their observations will provide valuable insights into your leadership style.
Step 2 - Observe Others
Take the time to observe leaders you admire or respect. Analyze their behaviors and approaches to leadership. You can also read books, articles, and case studies on different leadership styles to gain a deeper understanding of various frameworks and models.
Studying various leadership styles will allow you to compare and contrast them with your leadership behaviors. Identify what aspects resonate with you, what you appreciate, and what you aspire to embody.
Step 3 - Self-Reflection
Now, don't groan when I say the word "journal." I promise this will be helpful for your growth as a leader.
Once you have identified your desired leadership style from step one, it's time to define the characteristics you want to demonstrate as a leader. For instance, qualities like charisma, promoting out-of-the-box thinking, and excellent communication skills are essential if you aspire to be a transformational leader.
Set a timer for 10 minutes and, based on what you learned in step two, reflect on the qualities you want to continue demonstrating and which you want to develop. This list of characteristics will serve as a guide for your development journey.
Trim down your list to three to five key characteristics, providing a focus for your leadership development plan.
By following these three steps, you can better understand your leadership style goal and set a direction for your leadership training. Remember, leadership is a journey, and understanding your strengths and areas for improvement will help you become the exceptional technology leader you aspire to be.
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