The Characteristics Of Colin Powell's Leadership Style

Leadership Style Have you ever had a leader that inspired you to develop your own leadership traits? “A leader is someone who demonstrates what’s possible” (Mark Yarnell, 2015). There are numerous leadership styles. Each of the numerous leadership styles can be beneficial if utilized in an appropriate means. I have chosen three leaders and their unique leadership styles to discuss in this paper. The unique styles that will be discussed are situational leadership, transformational leadership, and laissez-faire leadership. I will also discuss each leader’s approaches, their fundamental leadership principles, and how each leader used their style within their profession.

Situational Leadership Colin Powell is one of the greatest known

Powell uses “The Hershey, which is a Blanchard Situational Leadership model that explains how to match the leadership style to the readiness of the group members” ( ). There are four quadrants that Powell looks at prior to making his choice. The four quadrants are directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Each quadrant has a specific time when it is most effective. Powell used most of these quadrants throughout his military career. He would use direction when giving orders to his troops. He would coach his troops during a time of war, as he wanted their feedback and ideas. Being able to take others ideas shows he was open to input, as the troops might know something he did not and in the situation it could be life or death. If Powell was not open to the ideas and opinions of his troops many more deaths could of occurred. Powell was supportive of his troops during training times. He would make the decisions, but they had the control. Powell was always supporting his troops and giving them motivation in any situation. The last quadrant is delegation, which Powell did not use much during his military career as he needed to be the one in control at all times.

Fundamental Leadership Principles Colin Powell has thirteen rules that he follows when it comes to being an effective leader:

1. “It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the

Barra worked her way up through the ranks at GM. She began working at GM at the young age of eighteen as a co-op student. She has held many positions over the years, making several positive changes to the company. Making changes in the Human Resource department, which got people working together for the good of the company.

Leadership Approaches Barra is known for her preserving attitude, which she keep through GM’s entire bankruptcy. Although she was not the CEO at that time, she had worked there for several years. According to Steven Snyder when Barra took over she “immediately set to work, rationalizing the product line, improving quality and efficiency, and better aligning the product with customer needs” (2014). Barra says, “It is truly amazing how empowering it can be when a leader treats a worker as a capable and well-intentioned human being, instead of a number on the assembly line” (2009). She also feels a leader should never stop learning, which she has continued to do throughout her career.

Fundamental Leadership