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nowing your leadership style can be the key to standing out from the crowd, but it's also influenced by personality, which is relatively fixed. While you can't change your style entirely, you can tap into your strengths and adapt to different situations.

    To simplify the various leadership styles, let's break down three approaches:

    1. Wartime vs. Peacetime: These two categories are fundamental to understanding leadership styles. According to Ruth Gotian, wartime leaders are decisive and calming during times of stress or unrest, while peacetime leaders provide information and recommendations, giving their teams autonomy to make decisions.

    However, both styles have their shortcomings. Wartime leaders can become dictatorial if they're not careful, while peacetime leaders may struggle with indecisiveness and leading by consensus.

    2. DiSC Model: The DiSC model breaks down leadership style into four types: Dominance (efficient but sometimes cold), Influence (engaging but lacking focus), Steadiness (caring but sometimes inefficient), and Conscientiousness (detail-oriented but less charismatic).

    3. Adult Development Stages: Applying the adult structural-developmental stage theory from Robert Kegan can help you understand yourself and tailor your leadership approach to each team member. The stages include Socialized, Self-authoring, and Self-transforming.

    The key is to lean into your natural style rather than trying to adopt someone else's. As Elias Aboujaoude says, "You will not enjoy practicing it, and chances are you won't be successful leading." Focus on your strengths and partner with others who complement your skillset.

    Finally, be willing to adapt your leadership style as the situation changes. As Ruth Gotian notes, "Leadership is less about you and more about the people you're leading, and how you're connecting and communicating with them."