Are you an all-rounder or do you prefer to delegate? Understanding how we relate to those around us reveals our leadership styles. It shows what kind of leaders we can and must be to succeed.
Like a one, two or three wheeled mode of transportation – a unicycle, bicycle or tricycle – the more support you have, the smoother the ride. My takeaway: As leaders, we are wobblier without assistance, and crashes become much more possible. Which of these leadership styles sounds like you?
1. Unicycle
If you’ve ever seen someone brave a unicycle, it’s an interesting sight. It is a difficult skill to master and very few people do. It’s certainly not the safest way to get around.
A unicycle leader is more of a loner than a leader. He or she feels that any task can be accomplished – and accomplished Good-only. Like riding a unicycle, this approach to leadership can quickly become unstable and is a stressful way of leading. Unicycle leaders tend to crave accolades and don’t like to share the glory. This approach leads to major accidents.
Signs you have a unicycle leader style:
- You crave power and want to do the “big jobs” yourself.
- You see cooperation as a weakness.
- You think you know best and don’t often seek advice.
- You rarely delegate tasks that can bring credit to the finisher.
- You love the spotlight and try not to share it.
2. Bicycle
Two wheels are better than one – and safer too. The danger of being a bike leader is the tendency to go too fast.
These kinds of leaders get things done. But while being productive is good, speed is often the enemy of balance. Watching for their own good against going too fast is a main task for cycling leaders.
They are efficient and are not afraid to ask for help. Because they share duties, people gravitate towards them and enjoy working with bike leaders. Under this kind of leadership, it can occasionally falter due to the ever-present urge to go fast, but this is a truly smoother workflow style than that of a unicycle leader.
Signs you have a bike leader style:
- You like to get things done quickly.
- You share important tasks to be more efficient.
- You are described as firm in your decision making.
- You learn from experience and apply those lessons.
- You put team success above personal aggrandizement.
3. Tricycle
Have you ever tried to knock over a tricycle? Good luck. They are stable, just like leaders for tricycles!
Tricycle leaders are more interested in getting the job done right, not just getting it done. They seek collaboration in the knowledge that teamwork produces the smoothest ride. This person does not mind taking his or her time, works methodically and rarely wastes time, resources or ideas.
Carrying too much weight in a company, organization or team often leads to failure. Therefore, the tricycle leader likes to share the burden with capable teammates. This creates a culture of stability, balance and trust.
Signs you have a three-wheeler leader style:
- You rarely strive to complete projects alone.
- You actively recruit people to participate in tasks.
- You are not selfish but rather team oriented.
- You prefer wisdom and experience to bravura and praise.
- You value collaboration and see this as a strength, not a weakness.
Which of these leadership styles best describes you? Is that what’s best for you and the people you lead? Share in a comment.
