In project management, the success of the project execution is all about people. People are delivering the results and need motivation and engagement. At the center of motivating and engaging your team is the leadership of the project manager. The way that the project manager handles people and the connection with them can influence project delivery. The leadership style of the project manager can play a significant role in the project’s success.

In this article, you will learn about the main leadership styles and how these are affecting project management and the delivery of different project types delivery.

Select the right leadership style for each project type

1. Autocratic leadership for crisis management and task forces

The autocratic leadership style is ideal for command and control situations, where decisions are made by the project manager or a small group of experts. Such a leadership style is ideal when there is time for democratic approaches, analysis, or debates. Such projects involve crisis management and task forces. Autocratic leadership is used in emergencies, military operations, or high-pressure environments.

Advantages of the autocratic leadership style

• Fast decision-making with prompt directives.
• Clear direction and short communication channels.
• Quick results for getting out of the emergency.
• Low bureaucracy with clear roles and responsibilities.

Disadvantages of the autocratic leadership style

• Low morale among team members occurs if they do not feel valued.
• Acceptance of decisions can be low.
• Creativity and innovation are suffering.
• After the crisis, it can be catastrophic for the culture and the organization.

2. Democratic leadership for complex and collaborative projects

The demographic leadership style involves all team members in generating ideas, collaborating, and making decisions. The project leader collects input from all team members, and they decide based on the majority. Debates and constructive conflict are common. This leadership style used in projects requires collaboration and innovation. The uncertainty of the project is high, so a collaborative approach helps to make decisions and handle complexity. Typical environments are R&D, software development, and projects with cross-functional teams.

Advantages of the democratic leadership style

• Ensures collaboration and the exchange of ideas and opinions.
• The psychological safety of sharing ideas and speaking up is important.
• Decisions are well-rounded by all team members, so engagement can be high.
• Innovation and creativity are essential for solving complex problems and uncertainties.

Disadvantages of the democratic leadership style

• The decision-making process can be slow.
• Conflicts can arise if a team member is assertive or a non-team player.
• Many opinions can lead to loops and delays in the development phase.
• Decisions and different solutions need to be documented so as not to lose knowledge.

3. Transformational leadership for innovation and dynamic projects

Transformational leadership style is used when there is a need for innovation and bigger changes. Transformation requires engagement in new ways of working and acceptance of change. Innovation projects, like product development, can enjoy the transformational leadership style. Change management and collaboration are the main skills required.

Advantages of the transformational leadership style

• The creativity and engagement of the team is high.
• The team is open to new ways of working and new ideas.
• The promotion of a continuous improvement mindset leads to change.
• Focusing on change management and stakeholder engagement is important.

Disadvantages of the transformational leadership style

• Resistance to change from team members or stakeholders can create delays.
• An intense focus on innovation can bring burnout if the team is not managed carefully.
• Low engagement for non-visionary team members and stakeholders.
• Uncertainty and a dynamic environment can create unforeseen obstacles and risks.

4. Laissez-faire leadership for research projects with self-motivated teams

Laissez-faire leadership focuses on a hands-off approach where the leader provides minimal direction. The project manager provides direction and allows team members to make their own decisions on how to achieve results. This leadership style works for teams with highly skilled and self-motivated members. It can work for projects in creative industries, academic research, and start-ups with experienced professionals.

Advantages of the laissez-faire leadership style

• Ownership and empowerment of the project team are high.
• High levels of innovation and job satisfaction
• Team members need to be experts in their domain and self-motivated.
• Minimal oversight leads to a highly independent project team.

Disadvantages of the laissez-faire leadership style

• Disorganization and project delays from members with low self-discipline.
• Communication issues could arise due to a lack of centralized organization.
• Conflicts between team members are not managed efficiently.
• Lack of a definition of clear roles and responsibilities.

5. Servant leadership for long-term development projects

Servant leadership style focuses on the needs of the team, their development, and well-being. The leader focuses more on the relationships with the team. This style is effective for long-term projects. Such projects need sustained motivation over longer periods. Community development, education initiatives, and healthcare projects benefit from a servant leadership leader.

Advantages of the servant-leadership style

• Building strong relationships, loyal teams, and empathy
• A supportive environment can bring high team engagement.
• Improved productivity of the team, with a focus on teamwork.
• Communication in the team improved due to strong relationships.

Disadvantages of the servant-leadership style

• Focusing on the team’s needs can bring a lack of focus on project deliverables.
• Delays can be caused by a lack of sense of urgency.
• Longer debates and a slower decision-making process
• Conflict management can be challenging for the servant leader

Leadership principles for successful project delivery

Independently of the project type, a project leader must possess certain leadership principles for successful project delivery.

• Vision: Define clearly the goals and project direction. All team members and stakeholders must be aligned with the common vision.
• Integrity: The project leader must build trust through honesty and consistent behavior.
• Accountability: The project leader must take responsibility and ownership for driving the project.
• Adaptability: The project leader needs to be open to changes and to adapt plans according to the needs.
• Empathy: The project leader must be able to understand the needs and feelings of the team to provide motivation and focus.

Align your leadership style with the project type for optimal delivery

Leadership style should be tailored to the specific needs of the organization and the project type. In a crisis, a time-sensitive project, or a complex collaborative team effort, it is vital to know how your leadership affects team performance and results delivery. By aligning your leadership style with the characteristics of your project, you can maximize your chances of success. Effective project delivery is all about leading people. Applying the right leadership style you can ensure successful project delivery and high stakeholder satisfaction.