The Five Key Leadership Styles

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

There are many ways of looking at the five key leadership styles or archetypes. An archetype is your model of the world. It is the construct of how you interpret reality.

We are all overwhelmed by the Tyranny of the Immediate. Your model of the world is how your brain reduces things to what is “known” to you. However, there are many ways of seeing things.

Your view of the world

Becoming a successful entrepreneur or CEO we tend to see the world as we want it to be. Often, we don’t see the world as it really is. We interpret things through our Leadership Style or Archetype. The key to your success is to see things as they are, without judgment. If your team only has a hammer for a tool, they see every problem as a nail. But not all problems are “nail” problems.

Remember that each person has a different Archetype. Their view of the world may not be the same as yours. In the workplace there are 14 variations of the five basic types. There is no right or wrong, good or bad, better or worse to any style. It is all interpretation depending on the person.

Your archetype is your model of the world. Your model of the world is how you interpret reality. Some people are extroverts, others are introverts. Some are focused on tasks and some are focused on people.

Model of the world

Your model of the world (MOW) is how you interpret reality. It is the language you speak that makes sense to you. Language is not just words, but Words, Beliefs, and Physiology (your body). We assume everyone speaks our language, but they do not. Discover your Leadership Style and use it as a guide to doing your inner work. Master self-awareness without judgment so you can be powerful, whole, and congruent.

Becoming a successful entrepreneur, leader or manager is mastering your ability to see the world as it is and not as we want it to be. There are five major Archetypes or Styles that every company must-have. It doesn’t matter if the company is 13, 30 or 300 people each of them will fall under one of the five distinct and different leadership styles or archetypes.

What are the five?

The five main Archetypes, or Leadership Styles, that are “must haves” for every organization are described as follows:

The Producer – D

They are focused on tasks and are usually extroverts. Their primary focus is on goals and deliverables. They move in a linear way, one thing at a time but very quickly. They make lists, tasks, milestones and projects. They can get things done. Because they move so quickly, they are too impatient to work well in a team. They have a tremendous sense of urgency. They are restless and impatient. They are focused on WHAT you do.

The Entrepreneur or Arsonists- DI

They will light fires for others to put out. They bring things to life. They are extroverts and are focused on the long term and big picture. They love to create things. They get bored with the routine of running things. They constantly need stimulation, variety, and change. They are focused on WHY you do things.

The Integrator- I

They are focused on people and are empathic and care about the feelings of others. They like to talk and are very creative. They are conceptual since they are constantly dreaming up new ideas. They hate conflict so they tend to communicate indirectly instead of directly. They are focused on WHO can get things done.

The Pragmatist- S

They are introverts focused on People. They would rather work one on one with someone than in a group. They hate to be out front. They appear to be quiet and reserved but they have a rich, deep, inner world. They are realistic, pragmatic, and can be the voice of reason. They don’t like emotion, chaos, or disorder. They are calm, rational, and practical. They are great listeners. They are focused on WHEN things can get done.

The Administrator or Analytical – C

They are focused on tasks, data, structure, and plans. They are Introverts. They are analytical, meticulous, and thorough. They always seek more information to eliminate risk. They are risk-averse. They embrace data, information, and structure. They favor efficiency. They always have a plan. They tend to look for what’s missing. They are focused on HOW you do things.

Which one are you?

You are there, we all are. Understanding yourself along with your family, friends, and business associates adds a level of understanding and communication that can and will be invaluable. Learn your Leadership Style. For quick access to multiple assessment types and expert personal interpretation of results contact Paul at paul@businessmastery.com tel: 818-515-5558 or visit Paul Childs’ website at www.BusinessMastery.com  for more information.   

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