Leadership Style Flex Guide
Adapting Your Communication to Different Leadership Styles
Quick Style Recognition
Visionary: Talks about future possibilities, big picture thinking
Servant: Focuses on team development, asks "How can I help?"
Democratic: Seeks input, uses "What do you think?" frequently
Strategic: References data, timelines, and systematic approaches
Transformational: Emphasizes growth, change, and breakthrough potential
Authentic: Values-driven, transparent, genuine in interactions
Adaptive: Comfortable with ambiguity, flexible in approach
Results-Driven: Focuses on outcomes, metrics, and deliverables
Communication Adaptation Framework
When Communicating with Visionary Leaders
✓ Connect to future vision and possibilities
✓ Use inspiring, forward-looking language
✓ Present innovative solutions
✓ Paint the bigger picture impact
"Imagine if we could transform..."
When Communicating with Servant Leaders
✓ Frame around team development and support
✓ Emphasize how it helps others grow
✓ Ask for their guidance and wisdom
✓ Show appreciation for their mentoring
"This could really help develop our team..."
When Communicating with Democratic Leaders
✓ Invite their input and collaboration
✓ Acknowledge different perspectives
✓ Build consensus through discussion
✓ Value their inclusive approach
"I'd value your perspective on..."
When Communicating with Strategic Leaders
✓ Present data, facts, and logical analysis
✓ Provide systematic, organized information
✓ Include timelines and milestones
✓ Reference best practices and benchmarks
"The data indicates that..."
When Communicating with Transformational Leaders
✓ Emphasize growth and breakthrough potential
✓ Connect to personal and organizational development
✓ Challenge them with ambitious possibilities
✓ Focus on inspiring others
"This could be a game-changer for..."
When Communicating with Authentic Leaders
✓ Be genuine and transparent
✓ Align with stated values and principles
✓ Share honest concerns and celebrations
✓ Demonstrate consistency in words and actions
"I want to be honest about..."
When Communicating with Adaptive Leaders
✓ Acknowledge uncertainty and complexity
✓ Present flexible options and scenarios
✓ Emphasize agility and responsiveness
✓ Value their ability to pivot
"Given the changing landscape..."
When Communicating with Results-Driven Leaders
✓ Focus on outcomes and deliverables
✓ Provide clear metrics and progress updates
✓ Highlight efficiency and performance gains
✓ Include concrete timelines and deadlines
"This will deliver..."
Quick Reference: Communication Dos and Don'ts
Universal Principles (All Styles)
Always:
- Listen actively and ask clarifying questions
- Acknowledge their leadership strengths
- Connect feedback to positive outcomes
- Provide specific, actionable examples
- Follow up on commitments
Never:
- Assume one size fits all
- Focus only on problems without solutions
- Ignore their preferred communication style
- Rush important conversations
- Forget to appreciate their unique value
Style-Specific Red Flags to Avoid
- Visionary: Don't get lost in tactical details
- Servant: Don't focus solely on individual achievement
- Democratic: Don't bypass their need for input
- Strategic: Don't present ideas without supporting data
- Transformational: Don't emphasize maintaining status quo
- Authentic: Don't be superficial or inauthentic
- Adaptive: Don't insist on rigid structures
- Results-Driven: Don't ignore performance implications
This guide helps leaders adapt their communication style to be more effective with different types of leaders, improving collaboration and reducing misunderstandings.