Leadership Style Perhaps it Is the Subliminal

Leadership Style

Perhaps it is the subliminal desire to be a teacher. Or maybe it is that I never had the opportunity to actually stand in front of a room and instruct. Whatever the reason, I see myself falling into the leadership role of teacher and mentor.

A enjoy the different personalities and styles of people. That could be one of the motivations for being inclined toward this type of leadership. Teaching or mentoring is a very interpersonal type of leadership style. I get satisfaction from seeing and encouraging others and sharing information with them. In return, I learn a great deal from them as well. I also gain greater self-esteem when people tell me I am doing a good job or thank me for helping out. It is a real boost to the ego.

In a classroom setting, at parties and casually talking with friends, when playing sports and in meetings, I find myself listening to other people's problems and feeling good about giving advice. I like helping set goals and objectives and delegating individuals to find areas that will interest them and let them add their expertise. I also love to ask leading questions and see what kind of responses I will get.

A like working with teams, as well. Even though I find myself gravitating toward the team leader role, it is great to know that everyone is pitching in to come up with an answer. The brainstorming and exchange of information is a real motivator.

Being a teacher or mentor leader has a flip side that can be a concern if unattended. I have to be careful that I only use my teaching leadership style when it is wanted. It is too easy to give too much advice or not let others work out answers for themselves. I also have to watch my strong desire to influence and persuade others of my own beliefs and values. And I have to be careful not to take it personally when I have offered my help and someone decides to take another course of action. A good teacher knows when to step back and let others proceed on their own. It is also necessary to admit when I have made a mistake and fess up to my errors. I have to continually find ways for improved self-learning, personal development and changing goals. This way I learn more and can be an even better teacher.

And that is what good leadership is all about. Effective leaders motivate and make others feel proud of their abilities. They emphasize the strengths that people have and encourage them to use these strengths to make effective decisions. People who have a positive teacher/mentor leadership style also set directions for others to follow and guide people so they are all on the same page.