What Kind of Leader Are You?

Turns out I’m a supporting director. Sounds like a category for the Emmies, right? It’s not… it’s actually a leadership style, and just one of the many things I learned about myself at the 2010 PCMA Education Conference. What an incredible experience. About four hundred leaders from the meetings industry all descended on Montreal to network, share and learn.

One of the keynote speakers was Libby Gill, a woman who went from being a struggling actress with one line on General Hospital—to corporate communications at Universal Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Turner Broadcasting. She was also the branding/PR brain behind the launch of the Dr. Phil Show. www.LibbyGill.com

Libby was energetic and fun to listen to, but more importantly, she had an important message about leadership. Not only did she stress the importance of leading at all levels, she told us how important it is to know what KIND of leader you are. Here are four styles, as she described them.

DIRECTOR: Someone who takes control
SUPPORTER: Someone who leads by encouraging others
THRILL-SEEKER: Someone who is creative and has big ideas on the front end
DATA ANALYZER: Someone who leads by using information and statistics

Obviously, no particular style is better than another. Instead, the lesson is about knowing yourself, and perhaps just as important, knowing the style of those you’re trying to lead. I would describe myself as a supporting director because I like try to encourage and empathize with my team members, but if I’m truly honest—I like to be in charge. There are positives and negatives to that. A “director” can get things done, and manage large groups, but the same person can become a pushy know-it-all very quickly!

The secret is knowing your team, allowing them to use their strengths to lead, and striking a balance.

As Libby Gill explained… If you have a new concept, and need to brainstorm—bring in the trill-seekers. Just don’t expect them to stay and clean up after the party! If you need to show a client particular return on their investment—it’s time for the data analyzers to step up to the plate. Don’t let them slow you down, however, when it’s time to implement a new plan. Each style has pluses and minutes. It’s the combination that’s key, and being willing to focus on people’s strengths.

Interesting, I’m a supporting director, and my business partner is a data analyzing thrill-seeker, so hopefully we strike a balance for the people on our team!

What kind of leader are you???