What Kind of Leader Are You? 8 Common Leadership Styles (and Their Pros and Cons)

By Kat Boogaard | Originally posted on The Muse

Let’s talk about leadership styles.

When we think about different types of leaders, it’s tempting to group them into just two categories: good and bad.

Maybe there was that former boss who made you feel supported and inspired. And then there was also that manager who was so critical, they made you wonder if you were even qualified to handle the afternoon coffee runs.

Yes, those are two drastically different kinds of management. But here’s the thing: Leadership isn’t always so straightforward or black and white.

There are numerous styles of leadership that aren’t inherently good or bad—they’re just different. They all have their benefits and drawbacks, as well as their appropriate uses in certain scenarios.

Read on to find out why understanding your own approach matters, to get a breakdown of eight common leadership styles—along with their pros, cons, identifying characteristics—and to learn how you can change your leadership style.