There Is Only ONE Leadership Style. Everything Else Is Conjecture.
Leading people is a tough challenge—we both know it. We don’t control what they do. We don’t know what’s running through their minds. Yet somehow, we’re tasked with guiding them toward goals—hitting milestones, growing profits, and keeping the higher-ups happy.
How do we pull that off when they’re not machines we can program? We turn to books for leadership insights. We seek empathy strategies. We head to seminars for inspiration—and listen to podcasts to stay motivated.
But why all this effort, and what’s the one leadership style that truly works and the one we can sharpen to make a real difference?
Here’s a picture for you.
Imagine working for a boss who dismisses your ideas outright. Or maybe they nod along—promise your input matters—then let it fade away. Sometimes, it even feels like they’re working against you. Or think of a boss who hears you out—but offers no direction, no next steps—just silence. Working in any of these situations is not inspiring. You’re likely struggling through the days, feeling aimless, until you finally walk away.
Here’s the truth. Many leaders fall into these patterns. Some step back from their duties. Others push too hard with demands. A few support their teams so much—they miss the chance to challenge them. If you’ve made it through that—and now lead your own group—that’s a big deal. It’s a serious responsibility. “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Whether it’s a small task or a large team, leading others is a unique calling. Ignore that—and you might turn into the kind of boss you once couldn’t wait to leave behind. That’s scary.
So, we’re searching for the style that stands out. There are plenty of options out there. Authoritarian. Democratic. Laissez-faire and more. It’s a long list. But here’s my take—there’s only one that counts. The rest? Just theories—not the real thing.
It’s called The Liberating Leader.
Let’s start here—we’re all on an island. We like to think we steer our own paths—fully in charge of where we’re headed. And we do—to a point. But we’re not as free as we assume. Think about it. Someone cuts you off on the road, and anger flares up fast. A parking spot gets taken, and frustration hits before you can stop it. These moments catch us off guard. Our reactions come quick—almost automatic—and they’re harder to control than we’d like to admit. When that happens—it’s like our ship’s run aground—leaving us stuck on an island of tendencies.
Tendencies shape us quietly. We don’t notice them—unless we look closer. Maybe through journaling, or reflection, or some way to understand ourselves better.
Step one? Get off your island. You can’t help anyone else if you’re still there. My favorite tool to do this is a tendency journal. Take a few minutes each day to write down what you notice about yourself.
Now—life on the seas. Let’s say you’ve done it. You’ve built your raft, shoved off—and you’re sailing the open water. It’s beautiful out here. Waves crashing—wind in your face. You’re going places—even if the destination’s a little fuzzy. Now comes the real work—leading others.
The catch? Everyone’s still back on their own islands of tendencies. You’ve escaped yours—so it’s time to help them break free.
Here’s where many leaders stumble. They think giving orders—or managing every detail—will make people fall in line. Sure—you might show some authority that way. But that’s not leadership. Real leadership? It’s when someone chooses to follow you—even when they could’ve stayed put. That’s the goal.
Everyone’s island is their safe zone—their fortress of habits and reactions. They’ve built it to survive—to keep the chaos at bay. So, as a Liberating Leader, your job isn’t to rush in and pull them off. It’s to sail up—offer a lifeline—and show them there’s a way out. One they can trust.
How? Start by living it. Share your own story—how you spotted your tendencies, owned them, and broke free. Then listen. Ask questions. Help them see their own islands with fresh eyes. Maybe they journal too—or maybe they just need a gentle push—to realize they’re not as stuck as they think.
The Liberating Leader doesn’t demand, or over-support, or disappear. They free. They help people leave the rocky shores of autopilot—and join the journey on the seas. And here’s the beauty—the more you free others, the clearer your own path becomes. You’re not just leading—you’re growing with them.
So—forget the endless list of leadership styles filling up bookshelves. There’s only one that matters. Be the Liberating Leader.
Get off your island, help others off theirs, and sail into the unknown together. That’s the style that makes a mark—not just in results—but in people. Master that—and you’ve found the key.
Now, go pick up that journal, and start mapping your way. The seas are calling.
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-Ivan
Founder / CEO - The Better Place