When considering a leadership style, it is important to be flexible and willing to modify your style to fit specific and different occasions. For example, as an instructor, I may find that one class needs more direction than the another. So, I may adjust my leadership style to fit the specific needs of my class.

Leadership – style classifications are typically based on task-oriented dimensions versus relationship-oriented dimensions. These are also referred to as directive and non-directive. There are certain questions leadership may consider to decide which of the two styles is best. 

Consider the organization you work for or the school you attend. You are trying to choose one of the styles above. Respond to the following:

• What is the structure of your organization and the nature of you work/job/career?
• Which of the above styles, directive or non-directive, suits you best? Consider your personality, values, beliefs, etc. These all influence how readily you can hand over responsibility to others.
• Which style, directive or non-directive, suits your boss and the organizational culture best? For example, if you have a boss who is extremely directive, they may view you as weak if you are too non-directive. 
• Which style do you feel that you naturally are, directive or non-directive? Why do you feel you are this particular style? Is there one that you feel is more effective than the other? Why?