Episode 252: Six Leadership Styles (And What Happens Under Pressure)

Leadership styles. We all have one.

Or six.

Fresh from leadership camp, Ish and Sacha unpack the six classic leadership styles — and use some very recognisable global figures to bring them to life (brace yourself).

From directive and commanding… to coaching and democratic… to pace-setting, relationship-driven, and visionary — this episode explores what each style looks like at its best, and at its worst.

Spoiler: there is no perfect style.

But there is a default. And it usually shows up when the pressure’s on.

They dive into:

• Why your leadership style isn’t your personality — it’s your pressure response
• How directive leadership works brilliantly… until it doesn’t
• Why coaching leaders can accidentally create paralysis
• The hidden risk of always wanting to be liked
• Pace-setting, burnout, and walking fast alone
• Vision without execution (inspiring… but exhausting)
• Whether leaders are born, made, or have greatness thrust upon them

Plus: tall men, Zelensky, Ted Lasso, and why being decisive sometimes just means saying “let’s go.”

The big question:
 What does this situation require of me?

Because great leaders don’t just have a style.
They choose the right one for the moment.

If you haven’t come across it yet, Working Genius is one of the simplest, most practical models I’ve seen for helping teams understand how they actually get work done. Not personality. Not fluff. Just clarity on where people thrive — and where they get frustrated.

 If you’re planning your next team day, offsite, or work event, I’d love to bring this to your crew. 

Find out more at IshCheyne.com