A great leader can make all the difference. The right executive leadership impacts business performance, motivates teams, and aligns everyone with the company’s mission.
Better leadership leads to a better workplace culture, higher retention rates, and stronger business outcomes. 70% of respondents to a global leadership development survey by Harvard Business Publishing Corporate Learning believe that executives must exhibit a range of crucial leadership behaviors to meet their business needs.
Some specific leadership qualities the survey identified that are growing in importance include:
- Connecting employees to the organization’s purpose.
- Emotional and social intelligence.
- Managing conflict effectively.
- Providing clarity and direction in dynamic situations.
When searching for a new executive-level leader, ensuring they fit your organization’s culture—or have the power to positively reshape it—can make or break the hire.
What Makes a Good Executive Leader?
So, what traits do successful executive leaders have in common? A McKinsey analysis found that four key behaviors drive nearly 90% of leadership effectiveness:
- Being supportive
- A strong orientation toward results
- Seeking out different perspectives
- Effective problem solving
The key is balance—knowing when to adjust and when to double down. Successful leaders, the analysis found, embrace a human-centered approach, which includes:
- Confidence paired with openness to new ideas
- Responsible business stewardship while taking bold risks when necessary
- Maintaining control while empowering teams to take initiative
5 Types of Executive Leadership Styles
Not all leaders take the same approach—and that’s a good thing. Different leadership styles support different organizational needs, cultures, and business challenges. Here’s a closer look at five key leadership styles:
1. Servant Leadership
Imagine a leader who always puts their team first—someone who listens more than they speak, clears roadblocks, and focuses on helping others grow. That’s the essence of servant leadership.
How They Communicate:
Servant leaders thrive on active listening, encouragement, and empowerment. They foster trust by genuinely caring about their team’s well-being and development. Their communication is warm, supportive, and always aimed at lifting others up.
Best For:
Organizations that prioritize teamwork, personal development, and a purpose-driven culture.
2. Democratic Leadership
Democratic leaders don’t make decisions in isolation. They actively seek input from their teams, and open dialogue and inclusivity are at the heart of their approach.
How They Communicate:
Democratic leaders use open-ended questions, active feedback loops, and consensus-building discussions. They encourage participation and ensure every voice is heard before making a decision.
Best For:
Creative teams, innovative workplaces, and organizations that value inclusivity.
3. Transactional Leadership
Transactional leaders focus on performance, rewards, and accountability. They set clear expectations and provide structured feedback, ensuring that employees know their responsibilities and how success will be measured.
How They Communicate:
Their style is direct, goal-oriented, and structured. They are open about their expectations and willing to give constructive feedback. They use metrics to track progress.
Best For:
Industries that rely on efficiency, standardized processes, and well-defined goals, such as sales or customer service teams.
4. Delegative Leadership
Also known as a laissez-faire approach, delegative leaders believe in giving their teams autonomy. They provide light guidance and then step back, trusting employees to make informed decisions.
How They Communicate:
They use a hands-off approach with strategic check-ins. They allow their teams to work independently, but remain available for support when needed.
Best For:
Startups, self-sufficient teams, and organizations that require innovation and adaptability.
5. Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders are all about vision. They are big-picture thinkers who motivate their teams toward a common goal. They communicate with passion and help employees see the larger purpose behind their work.
How They Communicate:
Their style is enthusiastic and motivational. They use compelling storytelling, and one-on-one coaching to inspire their teams.
Best For:
Organizations undergoing change, mission-driven companies, and teams needing to push beyond their limits.
Find the Right Leader with the Right Executive Search Partner
Leadership style doesn’t always come across in a resume. By working with an executive search partner, you can identify both the leadership qualities your organization needs and the person best equipped to fill that role.
The right hire isn’t just about qualifications—it’s also about cultural alignment. You want a leader who fits your organization’s present needs and helps shape its future. At Recruiterie, we work closely with you to understand your culture and find leadership candidates who are the best fit for your unique environment. We help you find the person you’re most excited to see walk through the door every day, who can also execute in their role.
Looking for your next executive leader? Contact Recruiterie today to find the perfect match for your organization!
