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Ep. 111 – 4 Leadership Styles & When to Use Them: Extension Resource
Part 1: Identify Your Natural Style
Quick Assessment: Think about how you typically respond in leadership situations. Circle the letter that best describes you:
- When your group faces a challenge, you usually:
- A) Create a clear plan with specific steps
- B) Check in on how everyone is feeling
- C) Find ways to motivate people with rewards/recognition
- D) Remind everyone why this matters and what you can achieve
- Your leadership strength is:
- A) Getting things organized and done efficiently
- B) Making sure everyone feels included and heard
- C) Motivating people to participate and contribute
- D) Inspiring others with a bigger vision
- People often come to you because:
- A) You know how to break down complex problems
- B) You’re a good listener who helps resolve conflicts
- C) You know how to make things fun and rewarding
- D) You help them see possibilities they hadn’t considered
- In meetings, you typically:
- A) Keep everyone focused on the agenda and outcomes
- B) Make sure everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts
- C) Find ways to keep people engaged and participating
- D) Connect discussions back to the bigger picture and goals
- When someone on your team is struggling, you:
- A) Give them specific steps to improve their performance
- B) Ask them what support they need and how they’re feeling
- C) Offer incentives or recognition to boost their motivation
- D) Help them see how their role connects to something meaningful
Your natural style: Count your A’s, B’s, C’s, and D’s. Your highest score indicates what your natural style might be:
- Mostly A’s = Taskmaster | Mostly B’s = Connector | Mostly C’s = Negotiator | Mostly D’s = Inspirer
Disclaimer: This quiz is only aimed to give you a brief idea of what your natural leadership tendencies are! You’re more complex than what 5 situations can decide and you may be multiple!
Part 2: The Four Styles Quick Reference
🎯 The Taskmaster
Best for: Crisis situations, tight deadlines, new teams needing direction Avoid when: People are stressed, creative brainstorming needed
🤝 The Connector
Best for: Low morale, conflict resolution, bringing in new people Avoid when: Crisis decisions needed, critical deadlines
🏆 The Negotiator
Best for: Routine tasks, when you have rewards to offer, maintaining standards Avoid when: People need intrinsic motivation, no clear incentives available
✨ The Inspirer
Best for: New initiatives, lost motivation, times of change Avoid when: People need practical guidance, immediate action required
Part 3: Practice Scenarios
Read each scenario and write which style you’d use and why:
Scenario A: Your fundraising committee has two weeks left but is way behind their goal. People seem discouraged.
Style to use: _________________
Why: _________________________________________________
Scenario B: You’re starting a new environmental club and want to attract members.
Style to use: _________________
Why: _________________________________________________
Scenario C: Your sports team practices are chaotic – people don’t know what to do when.
Style to use: _________________
Why: _________________________________________________
Part 4: Your Leadership Action Plan
This Week’s Challenge
Pick ONE style that’s NOT your natural go-to and commit to trying it:
Style I’ll practice: _________________________________
Specific situation I’ll use it: _______________________
What I’ll do differently: _____________________________
Reflection Questions to Complete After Trying a New Style:
- What happened when you tried a different leadership approach?
- What was challenging about using this style?
- What did you learn about your team/group?
- How could you combine styles more effectively?
Part 5: Quick Style-Switching Guide
When you notice this… → Try this style:
- People seem confused or lost → Taskmaster
- Team morale is low → Connector
- Motivation is dropping → Negotiator or Inspirer
- Starting something new → Inspirer
- Conflict between members → Connector
- Tight deadline approaching → Taskmaster
Remember
✅ Every leadership style has value
✅ Flexibility makes you a stronger leader
✅ Leadership is a skill you can develop
✅ Read the situation and choose your approach
