7 Signs You Need to Change Your Leadership Style

EEffective leaders come in many shapes and styles. But the kind of leadership style that helps someone advance in a career isn't always the same style he or she needs in a new role. Sometimes it's time to change your leadership style.

There is simply no one style of leadership that inspires, motivates and directs people universally. So it's really important to recognize when it's time to make adjustments to the way you lead others. Here are 7 signs you need to change your leadership style.

1. You have no contact with the people you lead.

Leadership requires information from and an understanding of the people you lead, regardless of the styles you use. If you find yourself increasingly disconnected, groping in the dark, or at a loss from those you guide, it's time to adjust your style.

2. The people you lead are frustrated (and so are you).

The limitations or familiarity of a leader's style over time can cause teams to stop improving or resolve disputes, angering everyone. If the way you've handled conflict and irritation as a leader doesn't overcome those frustrations, it's time to adjust your style.

3. You are served more than you serve.

Ultimately, every successful leader will be tempted to get too comfortable with that success, and it's more about the leader than the team. If you find that your teammates are doing more to help you look good than you are helping them, it's time to adjust your style.

4. People don't follow you.

Leaders who say, "Let's go!" only to find that no one is standing up are no longer leading effectively. They may be leaders in title but not in function. When fewer people are responding to your leadership the way you intend, it's time to adjust your style.

5. The people you lead don't improve as people.

Effective leaders don't just get performance from a team—they also develop the people on the team. If your team is made up of people who are stagnating in their personal and professional development, it's time to adjust your style.

6. You don't listen to the thoughts and opinions of others.

Sometimes success leads leaders to assume they have enough knowledge and experience to ignore the advice and perspectives of others. But true leaders continue to learn and grow through these team inputs. If you're asking for less input, or your team members are offering less input themselves, it's time to adjust your style.

7. You always want the fame and the spotlight.

Effective leaders share awards and draw attention to the stars of the teams they lead. But whether on purpose or out of necessity, sometimes too often the leader becomes the face of the story. When the people you lead aren't also the people you celebrate and shine in the spotlight, publicly and privately, it's time to adjust your style.

There are many different lists of "leadership styles" - an internet search shows this to be true. One of my favorites is my friend and great NFL player Tony Dungy's "mentor leader" style. But leaders typically combine aspects of more than one leadership style. When you consider these signs of needing change, look for ways to adjust your core style without completely abandoning what still serves you well. You don't always have to radically change your entire leadership style; Sometimes you just need to tweak some aspects of the styles you use naturally.

What advice would you give to a leader who wants to change their leadership style? Share in a comment.

By: 7 Signs You Need to Change Your Leadership Style