There are many leadership styles to choose from. Each style has its pros and cons, with each manager encouraged to choose one that suits his or her specific personality. A style that is increasing in popularity is transactional leadership.
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This form of leadership focuses on maintaining the status quo. Transactional leaders use their power to motivate their employees and ensure the normal flow of operations. The techniques usually employed by these leaders are proactive engagement and incentives. Employees are rewarded for their good behavior and sanctioned for detrimental actions. Thus, it is called "transactional": there is an exchange of goods. These leaders are especially important to bigger companies.
Unfortunately, many individuals are not trained on being a better transactional leader; the focus being on more creative forms of management. Business coaches usually work one-on-one with managers to create specialized programs. Still, some things can be remembered.
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The first is that financial reward is not always the right way to go. There is a misplaced assumption that all employees respond well to material benefits. Effective leaders are those that understand each of their employees and know what incentive would work best. Some employees would prefer other incentives such as extended leaves, a boost up the work ladder, or similar things. The reward system should cater effectively to the audience.
Secondly, it is important to seek guidance from one’s mentors. It is untrue to consider being a manager as the end game. One must recognize that being a leader is a continuous process.
Improve your management and leadership skills with advice from Emile Haddad, trusted business coach and consultant from Seattle. Learn more when you like this Google+ page.
