There are different types of leadership (Democratic, Authoritative, Strategic, Laissez-Faire, Situational, Coaching, etc.)
As a Project Manager, ¿what style do you apply and why? Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Veronica, my leadership style is adaptive, evolving to meet the needs of the team at different stages. In the forming stage, I take a more directive approach, providing clear guidance and structure. As the team progresses to the performing stage, my style becomes more supportive and facilitative, empowering team members to take initiative and work collaboratively. Saving Changes...
Situational - there are times when being directive/authoritative might be required (e.g. a health and safety situation) whereas at other times a supportive, coaching-based approach is a better fit.
As PMs we always need to assess the context of the situation we find ourselves in and modify our leadership approach to fit that and ensure we have good feedback mechanisms to help us course correct if we have picked the wrong approach.
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz My leadership style is transparent and collaborative. I prioritize sharing objectives and targets clearly, ensuring that the entire team has a shared understanding of goals. I adapt based on project needs, conducting daily check-ins when necessary or weekly updates to track progress. I give the team the freedom to approach tasks in their own style, trusting their expertise while providing guidance and support. This blend of strategic alignment and autonomy fosters accountability, creativity, and team engagement, ensuring project success.
Remember, everyone has their challenges, but focusing on their strengths brings out their best—trust me on this! Saving Changes...
PMO Leader | Speaker & Mentor | Content Leader – PMOGA Latin America
Hub| Catholic University of UruguayMontevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
My leadership style is based on introspection, reflection and self-awareness. I value feedback and am courageous in giving it to others, as well as changing my mind when necessary. I strongly believe in the importance of structuring a clear vision and motivating the team to work together towards that vision. Saving Changes...
I have been described as someone who "leads from the front".
Rather than asking or directing others to do hard, unpleasant jobs, I start doing the tough stuff myself and people start to join in. It was a style I developed completely unintentionally back in my teens as a Boy Scout senior patrol leader (the PM of the troop).
While camping, cleaning up after dinner was a tedious job that nobody wanted to do, myself less than anyone, but I couldn't go fishing until it was done and if we did a poor job we had to do it over. Rather than direct, convince, or complain, I just started doing the work myself. Whether it was from guilt or camaraderie, people started helping the one person very noticeably working hard for the benefit of everyone else. That caught on and soon everyone just naturally started tackling the tough jobs so we could all enjoy our evenings.. We became an extremely efficient team of otherwise rowdy troublemakers.
In my business life, that translates into being the person who intentionally inserts myself into the tough situations for the benefit of the team. I will have the difficult conversation with the angry senior stakeholder. If you have a problem, don't complain to my team, complain to me personally. I have thick skin; they are busy and don't need the disruption. If I have to work all weekend so everyone is ready to perform on Monday, then that's my job to make everyone look good. I don't make a big fuss that I had to do the unpleasant things, but people do notice.
It isn't about trying to "guilt" people into stepping up and performing but rather by setting the example that I'm doing everything I can to help my team, and they in return naturally decide to help me.
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1 reply by Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
Feb 06, 2025 6:06 PM
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
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It's a productive type of leadership, Keith. Leading by example involves acting in a way that you want your team members to follow, defining the path, helping the Project Manager maintain his work skills, setting a strong example, helping to build trust, and creating a collaborative environment.
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
I personally think this is one of the most subjective question any PM would answer.
A mix of all of this is necessary depending on the situation. I think versatility and adaptability is needed to use a mix of this Saving Changes...
Project & PMO Manager | Research & Enterprise Mentor| GFB HoldingSouth America, Brazil
My leadership style is adaptive, aligning with situational leadership. I believe that a one-size-fits-all approach is not effective in managing projects, as each project presents unique deliverables and challenges. Initially, I focus on mapping out the project deliverables and identifying potential challenges. This thorough analysis allows me to tailor my leadership approach to fit the specific needs of the project at different stages. For instance, during the initiation phase, I might adopt a more authoritative style to set clear expectations and establish a strong foundation. As the project progresses, I often shift to a more democratic or coaching style, encouraging team collaboration and empowering team members to take ownership of their tasks.
I have been described as someone who "leads from the front".
Rather than asking or directing others to do hard, unpleasant jobs, I start doing the tough stuff myself and people start to join in. It was a style I developed completely unintentionally back in my teens as a Boy Scout senior patrol leader (the PM of the troop).
While camping, cleaning up after dinner was a tedious job that nobody wanted to do, myself less than anyone, but I couldn't go fishing until it was done and if we did a poor job we had to do it over. Rather than direct, convince, or complain, I just started doing the work myself. Whether it was from guilt or camaraderie, people started helping the one person very noticeably working hard for the benefit of everyone else. That caught on and soon everyone just naturally started tackling the tough jobs so we could all enjoy our evenings.. We became an extremely efficient team of otherwise rowdy troublemakers.
In my business life, that translates into being the person who intentionally inserts myself into the tough situations for the benefit of the team. I will have the difficult conversation with the angry senior stakeholder. If you have a problem, don't complain to my team, complain to me personally. I have thick skin; they are busy and don't need the disruption. If I have to work all weekend so everyone is ready to perform on Monday, then that's my job to make everyone look good. I don't make a big fuss that I had to do the unpleasant things, but people do notice.
It isn't about trying to "guilt" people into stepping up and performing but rather by setting the example that I'm doing everything I can to help my team, and they in return naturally decide to help me.
It's a productive type of leadership, Keith. Leading by example involves acting in a way that you want your team members to follow, defining the path, helping the Project Manager maintain his work skills, setting a strong example, helping to build trust, and creating a collaborative environment. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Situative and, if possible, from the background, supporting.
I am pleased with letting the team get all the kudos.
On the other hand, as a leader, you need strategic thinking, which is often not transparent to everyone.
Some wise guy defined 'tactics is what you see, strategy is what you do not see.' Saving Changes...
Project Manager| AWR Development (BD) Ltd. Cox's Bazer , Bangladesh
Hi Verónica Elizabeth I am trying to follow servant leadership because leaders distribute power among their team and facilitate the process. They unite their teams through a common cause, trust their team members, and listen to their ideas.
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