Your dominant leadership style is: Autocratic
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Abraham Lincoln
What does this style mean?
The Autocratic leader says "Do as I say." Generally, an autocratic leader believes that he or she is the smartest person at the table and knows more than others. They make all the decisions with little input from team members. This command-and-control approach is typical of leadership styles of the past, but it doesn't hold much water with today's talent. That's not to say that the style may not be appropriate in certain situations. For example, you can dip into an autocratic leadership style when crucial decisions need to be made on the spot, and you have the most knowledge about the situation, or when you're dealing with inexperienced and new team members and there's no time to wait for team members to gain familiarity with their role.
Advantages:
Effective when quick decisions are needed or when leading new or inexperienced teams. Ideal in crises or high-stakes situations where clarity and speed are critical.
Potential Problems from Overuse:
Overuse can alienate team members, reduce morale, suppress creativity, and lead to disengagement. It doesn’t align well with modern collaborative workplace cultures.
Your Blended Style: Decisive Visionary
Your responses suggest that you demonstrate ambidexterity in your leadership style, adapting your approach based on the situation. The bar graph reflects a relative balance across several styles, indicating that you draw on different strengths as circumstances require. Based on your top two styles, your blended leadership approach can be characterized as follows:
Decisive Visionary, What does this style mean?
You exhibit a strong blend of Autocratic and Authoritative leadership. As a Decisive Visionary, you make firm decisions with confidence and authority, ensuring efficiency and control. Yet, unlike a purely autocratic leader, you pair this decisiveness with a clear and compelling vision. You guide your team with purpose, aligning actions with long-term goals and motivating others by showing them where you’re headed — and why it matters. Your leadership feels like a force: fast-moving, clear-eyed, and driven by principle.
Advantages:
You combine swift decision-making with purposeful leadership. Your ability to act quickly and with clarity inspires confidence, keeps projects on track, and aligns your team around a shared mission. People know what’s expected and why it matters, which enhances engagement and trust.
Potential Problems from Overuse:
Your drive for control and efficiency may lead to missed opportunities for team input or innovation. If your leadership leans too heavily on authority, it can stifle creativity or discourage initiative. Balancing pace with presence and including others in the process can prevent burnout and boost morale.