Famous Examples of Different Leadership Styles

Famous Examples of Different Leadership Styles

written by: Kristina Dems • edited by: Ginny Edwards • updated: 1/30/2011

This article narrates the 7 different leadership styles - namely charismatic, participative, situational, transactional, transformational, servant and quiet leadership. At least one famous example of each leadership style is provided for better understanding.

• Leadership Styles

  There are different types of leadership styles, each proving effective depending on the given circumstances, attitude, beliefs, preferences and values of the people involved. In this article, we're going to discuss 7 of these leadership styles. Each item in the following list contains at least one famous example of each leadership style. Every famous example of each leadership type showcases the fact that different kinds of leaders can implement the same kind of leadership. The first style of leadership on this list demonstrates this in an extreme way.

  For more detailed descriptions of each method, be sure to check out Bright Hub's collection of articles that analyze all leadership styles.

• Charismatic Leadership

  Charismatic Leadership is one of the modern leadership styles in the changing world. In this kind of leadership, the leader uses charm to get the admiration of their followers. They show concern for their people and they look after their people's needs. They create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for their followers by listening to them and making them feel that they have a voice in the decision making. Famous examples of charismatic leaders are Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton, Mother Teresa and Adolph Hitler.

• Participative Leadership

  This kind of leadership is usually seen in corporate settings. Leaders act more like facilitators rather than dictators. They facilitate the ideas and the sharing of information with the end goal of arriving at a decision. The final decision ultimately rests on the leader but all considerations and factors of a decision come from the collective mind of the group under this leadership. A famous example of a participative leader is Donald Trump.

• Situational Leadership

  In situational leadership, three factors affect the leader's decisions: the situation, the capability of the followers and the capability of the leader. The leader adjusts to whatever limitation is laid out in front of him by his subordinates and the situation itself. Adaptability is key here. The leaders need to be as dynamic as the different situations they are faced with. A famous example of this leadership style is Dwight Eisenhower.

• Transactional Leadership

  In this kind of leadership, a clear chain of command is established. The leader motivates his subordinates by presenting them rewards and punishments. All requirements for a subordinate are clearly stated with corresponding rewards. If they fail to satisfy those requirements, they will receive a corresponding punishment. A couple of famous examples of transactional leaders are Joseph McCarthy and Charles de Gaulle.

• Transformational Leadership

  Transformational leaders lead by motivating by their followers. Leaders appeal to their followers' ideals and morals to motivate them in accomplishing their tasks. Basically, these kinds of leaders empower their followers using their own beliefs and personal strengths. Simply put, they inspire their followers. Famous transformational leaders include Martin Luther King Jr. and Walt Disney.

• The Quiet Leader

  The quiet leader leads by example. They do not tell people what to do. They do not force people to do things that they are not willing to do. They do not give loud speeches, sweeping statements and clear cut orders. They do what needs to be done, inspiring their followers to do the same. Famous examples of the Quiet Leader are Rosa Parks, King George VI, Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson.

• Servant Leadership

  In servant leadership, the leader takes care of the needs of his followers first before they take care of their own. Instead of acting like a king to their subordinates, leaders act as servants. The leader feels that they need to serve their followers rather than force upon them what they want. Famous examples of servant leaders include George Washington, Gandhi and Cesar Chavez.