Leadership isn’t always the same. It comes in different sizes, shapes and colors. For women especially, owning your leadership style—and using it with confidence—can be the difference between just managing and actually leading. But what is your leadership style? How to answer what is your leadership style? And how do you talk about it without sounding rehearsed or unsure? Let’s have a look, shall we?
Why does knowing your style build credibility?
When you know your leadership style, you can lead with intention. You’re not just reacting but making choices that align with who you are and what you stand for, honing clarity, which builds trust. People know what to expect from you.
It also makes it easier to answer questions like “What is your leadership style?” in interviews or evaluations. And, most importantly, it shows you’re self-aware, which is a necessity, especially in leadership positions.
From collaborative to assertive: finding your balance
You don’t have to fit into one strict mold. Leadership styles range from collaborative and democratic to strategic and assertive. None are “better” than the others, what’s important is to know what works for you and your team, the ability to adjust your style to your team’s needs.
We mostly expect women to be nurturing or accommodating, but there’s power in being firm, direct, and decisive when needed, and women can do it too. The key is finding the right balance. Even if your default is collaboration, don’t be afraid to step into assertiveness. If you’re naturally more directive, remember to always make space for input. You don’t need to pick a lane, focus on knowing when to switch gears.
What authenticity in leadership actually means
Authenticity doesn’t need to be saying anything and everything that comes to your mind without filter or showing every emotion you feel without missing one. More importantly, it means leading in a way that aligns with your values and personality—without trying to perform some version of leadership you think others expect.
For women, that can mean letting go of the pressure to soften every message or over-explain decisions. Authentic leadership is about consistency. People follow leaders who are real, not those who appear perfect.
How to grow and evolve your leadership approach
If you’re asking, “Should a person’s leadership style be static?” the short answer is no. The best leaders evolve. They pay attention to what’s working, what’s not, and who they’re leading. Being adaptable isn’t the same as being inconsistent. Growth comes from being intentional about change, not reactive to pressure.
Feedback as a tool, not a threat
Everyone has issues with negative feedback. But think of it this way – feedback isn’t personal, it’s just data. Women leaders often feel like they have to prove themselves more than their male counterparts, so criticism can hit them a bit harder. But if you reframe feedback as a tool, not a threat, it becomes a powerful part of your development. Ask for it. Welcome it. Use it. The best leaders seek out different perspectives and adjust without losing who they are.
When to adapt and when to stay true to your core
Adapting your style doesn’t mean abandoning your principles. Know the difference between evolving and compromising. When you feel like the shift you’re making is not adjustment, but rather an abandonment of your values, ask yourself: Is this adjustment helping me lead more effectively, or am I just trying to please? Staying true to your core is done by knowing what you stand for, your non-negotiables. Lead from that place and flex your style around it.
Remember, you don’t need to copy someone else’s leadership playbook. You need to understand your own. Know how to talk about your style, know what’s your leadership style. Know when to stretch it. And above all, lead in a way that makes you proud—not just of your results, but of how you got there and who it makes you.
