4 General Leadership Methodologies
Every day can’t be the same, likewise, everyone can’t be the same. So I want to start today with a thank you to everyone who read my past write-ups, especially the 4 Essential Guide to Developing Leadership Skills and if you are yet to read it, please do. I baked some fresh cake for you.
This write-up is the second part of the leadership write-up. Kindly put on your diaper and take a seat because you are about to get beaten with a rain of learning. And don’t forget we are here to learn together.
So I would be starting with what does Leadership Methodology mean?
The term “Leadership methodology” describes the frameworks, methods, and tactics used by leaders to motivate and inspire followers to work together to achieve a common objective. These strategies, which are based on the fundamentals of effective leadership, give leaders a variety of tools and methods for influencing and inspiring their teams.
Today we would be talking about 4 Leadership Methodologies which are 2T2S.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders inspire and motivate their followers to achieve extraordinary results. They focus on creating a compelling vision and communicating it effectively to their team. These leaders encourage innovation, foster a positive work environment, and empower individuals to reach their full potential.
Examples of Transformational Leaders are:
- Nelson Mandela: Mandela played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. As the country’s first black president, he led the nation through a peaceful transition from apartheid to a democratic society, promoting reconciliation and unity. A man with greater integrity and selflessness.
- Oprah Winfrey: A media mogul and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey has used her platform to uplift and empower individuals worldwide. Through her talk show, book club, and humanitarian efforts, she has inspired countless people to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Yesterday, I had a talk with a friend of mine and Oprah's name entered into our conversation I had to mention that I respect this woman and she is truly the definition of “we don’t look like what we’ve passed through”. She is strong, brave, and Intelligent, truly an Iron Woman, my role model.
- Elon Musk: An entrepreneur and innovator, Elon Musk has been at the forefront of technological advancements in electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. His leadership style emphasizes audacity, risk-taking, and a bold vision for the future.
- Steve Jobs: As the co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs revolutionized the technology industry through his visionary leadership. He was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation, and his ability to inspire and motivate his team to create groundbreaking products.
Servant Leadership
Servant leaders prioritize the needs and well-being of their followers. They strive to serve others by providing support, guidance, and resources. Servant leaders believe in collaboration, empathy, and nurturing a culture of trust and mutual respect. They focus on the growth and development of their team members.
Examples of Servant Leadership are:
- Mother Teresa: A symbol of compassion and selflessness, Mother Teresa dedicated her life to serving the poor and vulnerable. Through her organization, Missionaries of Charity, she provided care and support to those in need, inspiring countless individuals with her humility and love.
- Nelson Mandela: Mandela not only exemplified transformational leadership but also incorporated servant leadership principles. He led by serving the people of South Africa, working towards reconciliation and equality, even during his time in prison. This man was everything the world needed. He didn’t just serve but he lived a fulfilled life.
- Martin Luther King Jr.: Dr. King’s servant leadership was evident in his dedication to civil rights and equality. He fought tirelessly for justice, serving as a voice for those who were marginalized and oppressed.
- Abraham Lincoln: We all know or have heard of him, Lincoln’s leadership during the American Civil War showcased servant leadership qualities. He prioritized the well-being of the nation and its people, making difficult decisions in the best interest of the country as a whole. This is a quality of a mentally strong Leader.
These guys are books to read and learn from, they left a legacy that is yet to be undercovered.
Situational Leadership
Situational leaders adapt their leadership style based on the needs of the situation and the capabilities of their followers. They assess the readiness and competence of their team members and adjust their approach accordingly. Situational leaders can be directive or participative, depending on the specific circumstances and the development level of their team.
Examples of Leaders in Situational Leadership are:
- Satya Nadella: As the CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella has embraced a situational leadership style. He has focused on empowering employees, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a growth mindset within the organization. His leadership approach acknowledges the diverse talents and skills of his team members.
- Mary Barra: Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, has demonstrated situational leadership by guiding the company through technological advancements and changing consumer demands. She has emphasized the importance of adaptability and innovation, while also providing clear direction and support to her team.
- Jeff Bezos: The founder and former CEO of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, has shown situational leadership by overseeing the company’s growth and diversification. He has embraced a culture of experimentation and risk-taking while providing clear goals and expectations to his teams.
- Tim Cook: As the CEO of Apple Inc., Tim Cook has demonstrated situational leadership by overseeing product development and managing a diverse global workforce. He has emphasized the importance of collaboration, empowering his teams to drive innovation while adapting to changing market conditions.
Transactional Leadership
Transactional leaders focus on setting clear expectations, establishing goals, and rewarding or punishing based on performance. They operate on an exchange relationship with their followers, offering rewards or incentives for achieving desired outcomes. Transactional leaders emphasize efficiency, productivity, and maintaining established processes and systems.
Examples of Transactional Leadership are:
- Anne Mulcahy: As the former CEO of Xerox Corporation, Anne Mulcahy employed transactional leadership by implementing a performance-based culture. She emphasized meeting financial objectives, streamlining operations, and holding employees accountable for their results.
- Rudy Giuliani: As the mayor of New York City during the 9/11 attacks, Rudy Giuliani demonstrated transactional leadership by swiftly implementing emergency response measures and holding individuals accountable for their roles in the crisis management efforts.
- Herb Kelleher: The co-founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines, Herb Kelleher implemented a transactional leadership style by setting clear performance expectations and rewards for employees. He emphasized efficiency, punctuality, and customer service.
- Jamie Dimon: As the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon has applied transactional leadership principles by implementing a performance-driven culture within the organization. He has emphasized financial targets, accountability, and risk management.
All these leadership methodologies are not to question ourselves but to make us think, about which category you and I fall into and which of them can we emulate. Today, I learned from a ted talk by Amy Cuddy (Your body language may shape who you are) that you can fake it to you make it and what this taught me is that a great change begins with a change in mindset.
So start by putting the type of leader you want to become to the test, read about them, write about them, talk about them, note down their failures while you work on them, emulate their successes, and let them become your success story.
If you can’t defeat them, joining them is the advice I’d want to leave you with today. Being the best version of yourself means not only learning from the mistakes and accomplishments of others but also acting on what you have learned.
Thanks for always putting in effort to support me and here is a promise from my end, I would also put in effort not to disappoint you all.
I love you all from the star back to the moon. 🥰🥰
