• Identify characteristics and traits of leadership styles.
• What are the effects of each style on individuals and/or groups?
• What influencers might have led to each style of leadership?

Draw seven columns with one of the seven styles of leadership on the board.

In a group discussion, ask participants to give examples of what they think each style of leadership is. Place these examples in the appropriate column on the board. The leader will then explain why he/she put them into each column based on the defined phrases (located in the resources page).

Break into small groups to discuss each of the leadership styles and situations where each may be used. Why would a person need to have more than one type of leadership styles? What events would lead a person to pick what type of leadership style they use? While there is no one style of leadership that is more effective than others, it is up to the leader to know what leadership style is appropriate for the task at hand.

Example: A coach on a sports team might feel autocratic with the “do as I say” but they will also use coaching as well “consider this.” The struggle of leadership and what it means to be a leader is how well and willing are you to accept the outcome, good or bad.

• Autocratic: “Do as I say.”
• Authoritative: “Follow me.”
• Pacesetting “Do as I do.”
• Democratic: “What do you think?”
• Coaching: “Consider doing…”
• Affiliative: “People come first.”
• Laissez-Faire: “Go with the flow.”