When I look back on my career journey, the most vivid memories are of the teams I worked with and the managers who led us. I’ve been fortunate to have had some extraordinary leadership models. Shortly after graduating high school, I began working in the emergency room at a local hospital. Anna R. was my supervisor, and her tone and composure in high-pressure situations were remarkable. She was compassionately calming and supportive. In the chaos of an ER, her presence was steadying and inspiring.

At another job working for an oral surgeon in my hometown, I learned how to be a lifelong, passionate learner. Our leader had an unwavering passion for teaching. Every Thursday, we would travel to a satellite office about an hour away. Instead of using this time for casual conversation, she would challenge us with medical terminology quizzes, pushing us to expand our knowledge and skills beyond our roles in the office. This commitment to teaching and mentoring had a profound and lasting impact on me, shaping my understanding of leadership and its role in personal growth.

Reflecting on our journeys, many of us can recall the positive elements of managers, supervisors, and mentors who shaped us into who we are today. Whether we lead ourselves, our families, or our teams, we are all leaders. Along the way, I’ve latched onto leadership traits that have significantly motivated and inspired me.

The Essence of Leadership

Leadership is fundamentally about influence and the ability to inspire and mobilize others towards achieving common objectives. At its core, it is an art, not a position. It transcends titles and hierarchies, manifesting in those who inspire, guide, and galvanize others towards a common goal. In the high-stakes arena of a plaintiff law firm, effective leadership can be a game-changer. It can mean the difference between triumph and disaster, serving as the driving force behind the firm's culture and guiding it through the turbulent waters of legal challenges. Ultimately, it is the key to the firm's success.

It's not confined to a singular approach, but encompasses a spectrum of styles, each with its unique characteristics and effectiveness depending on the context. The essence of leadership lies in its adaptability and its capability to pivot between different methodologies based on the needs of the team and the challenges at hand. Each leadership style offers distinct advantages and potential pitfalls. Understanding these various approaches allows leaders to harness the appropriate style for the situation, ultimately driving success and fostering a positive, productive environment.

Leadership styles can take many forms depending on the work environment: autocratic, transactional, pace-setting, laissez-faire, and more. Over the years, I’ve noticed myself gravitating towards a Servant Leadership style. Robert K. Greenleaf coined the term "servant leadership" in his 1970 essay, "The Servant as Leader." This philosophy and practice emphasize serving others and prioritizing their needs over one's own.

This leadership style is characterized by several key traits:

1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one's own emotions, as well as showing genuine concern for the well-being of team members. This includes active listening, understanding others' perspectives, and providing support.
2. Mentorship: Humble leaders invest time in developing their team members. They provide guidance, share knowledge, and help others reach their full potential.
3. Focus on the Greater Good: Such leaders are driven by a desire to contribute to the larger mission and goals of the organization rather than personal ambition.

Self-Evaluating Your Leadership Style

Conducting a self-evaluation of your current leadership style can be instrumental in identifying areas of strength and opportunities for growth. This reflective process helps you gain insights into your own behavior and how it impacts your team. Here’s a simple guide to help you assess your leadership style:

Reflect on Recent Leadership Experiences:

• Think about a recent project or situation where you held a leadership role. What was your primary approach?
• How did your team respond to your leadership?

Identify Core Traits:

• Do you prioritize the needs of your team over your own?
• Are you emotionally intelligent and empathetic?
• Do you actively mentor and develop your team members?
• Are you driven by a greater mission beyond personal gains?

Gather Feedback:

• Ask your team members for honest feedback about your leadership style.
• Conduct anonymous surveys to gain candid insights.
• Discuss your leadership approach with a mentor or trusted colleague.

Analyze Outcomes:

• Evaluate the success of your team under your leadership.
• Assess whether the goals were met and how efficiently the team operated.

Adapt and Improve:

• Identify any patterns in the feedback and outcomes you've analyzed.
• Create a plan for enhancing your leadership approach.
• Be willing to pivot your style based on the needs of your team and organization.

By using these steps to self-evaluate your leadership style, you can better understand your impact and continue to develop into a more effective leader.

Knowing and understanding your own leadership style enables you to leverage your strengths and address your weaknesses and natural defaults, ensuring that your approach is effective and adaptable. This self-awareness fosters better communication, stronger relationships, and more cohesive team dynamics. It also allows you to align your actions with your core values, leading to more authentic and consistent leadership.

Evolution of Leadership Styles

Leadership is a dynamic and ever-evolving aspect of professional life. As leaders gain experience and encounter different challenges, their approach to leadership often undergoes significant transformation. Initially, a leader’s style may be heavily influenced by their own personal strengths and the immediate demands of their role. However, as they grow and develop, they begin to appreciate a broader range of perspectives and techniques. This appreciation comes from an increased ability to gauge how their team is responding to their leadership.

Change is intrinsic to effective leadership, especially during times of conflict or chaos. In such moments, leaders often find themselves needing to adapt their style to better serve their team. Whether it involves adopting a more empathetic approach during stressful times or taking decisive action in moments of crisis, the ability to pivot and adjust is crucial. This evolution is supported by ongoing self-reflection, feedback, and a commitment to personal growth. A versatile leadership style not only enhances the leader's effectiveness, but also fortifies the team’s resilience and unity.

Leadership styles change over time due to various reasons:

1. Personal Growth and Development: As individuals gain new experiences, skills, and perspectives, their approach to leadership may evolve. Continuous learning and self-awareness can lead to shifts in leadership styles as leaders adapt and refine their techniques.
2. Changing Context and Environment: Different situations may require different leadership styles. A leader who excels in one context may find that their approach needs to be adjusted in response to organizational, industry, or external environment changes.
3. Feedback and Reflection: Feedback from peers, mentors, or team members can prompt leaders to reassess their style and make adjustments to better meet the needs of their team and organization. Self-reflection and introspection can also lead to insights that drive changes in leadership style.
4. External Influences: Changes in industry trends, technological advancements, regulatory requirements, and societal expectations can all impact leadership styles. Leaders may need to adapt to these external factors to remain effective in their roles.

The journey of leadership is one of continuous evolution and growth. The most effective leaders understand that they must remain open to change and be willing to adapt their styles to meet the evolving needs of their teams and organizations. This openness to growth is not just about adjusting strategies or techniques, but also about embracing a mindset of lifelong learning. The best leaders never stop learning. They seek out new experiences, solicit diverse perspectives, and remain curious about the world around them.

People-Centric Leadership for a Client-Centric Team

Intentionally cultivating a leadership team at your firm that embodies a diverse range of leadership styles is a powerful move. Teams respond more favorably to this diversity because it addresses various needs and preferences among team members, allowing for more inclusive and effective management. A blend of leadership styles enhances the organization’s agility, making it better equipped to navigate complex challenges and innovate. When team members observe a spectrum of leadership styles at the top, it fosters an environment of belonging and motivation, as it reassures them that their unique viewpoints and contributions are valued. This diverse leadership approach strengthens team cohesion and drives higher levels of engagement and productivity, ultimately making the organization more robust and competitive.

There is beauty in every leadership style and great power in developing a keen adaptability and growth mindset and learning to blend different leadership styles. Embracing a variety of perspectives and experiences leads to more creative solutions and effective problem-solving. By exploring and understanding your own leadership style, you contribute to a rich, inclusive environment where innovation flourishes, and everyone can succeed. Seek to uncover your leadership style and join the movement toward a more dynamic and diverse future.