What are the types of creative leaders?

There are many types of creative leaders. Each type has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, and each is best suited for leading different types of projects.

Woman standing in front of team

1. The visionary leader

A visionary leader takes risks, isn’t afraid to zag when everyone else is zigging and has a long-term vision for where they want their company to be. This type of leader is often considered a “big picture” person. They see the potential in their team and can rally them around a common goal.

An example of a visionary leader is Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos. He’s known for his risk-taking and long-term vision (he once said, “I would rather be incorrect for the long term than correct for the short term.”).

2. The innovative leader

An innovative leader is always looking for new ways to do things. They’re constantly challenging the status quo and aren’t afraid to think outside the box. This type of leader is always looking for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

An example of an innovative leader is Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. He was known for his revolutionary thinking and his ability to see the potential in new technologies.

3. The passionate leader

A passionate leader is someone who believes in what they’re doing. They have a strong sense of purpose and are driven to make a difference. This type of leader is often considered a “people person”. They’re able to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals.

An example of a passionate leader is Oprah Winfrey. She’s known for her warm personality and her passion for helping others. Under her leadership, Oprah’s media empire has become one of the most successful in the world.

4. The strategic leader

A strategic leader is someone who can see the big picture and develop a plan to achieve it. This type of leader is often considered a “thinker”. They’re able to see the potential in people and situations and can make the connections necessary to achieve success.

An example of a strategic leader is Bill Gates. He’s known for his ability to think long-term and develop strategies that have made him one of the richest people in the world.

5. The transformational leader

A transformational leader is someone who can take an idea and turn it into a reality. This type of leader is often considered a “doer”. They’re able to make things happen and are constantly looking for ways to improve.

An example of a transformational leader is Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He’s known for his ability to take an idea and turn it into a reality.

6. The authentic leader

An authentic leader is someone genuine and honest. This type of leader is often considered a “real person”. They’re able to connect with others on a personal level and are transparent in their dealings.

An example of an authentic leader is Richard Branson. He’s known for his down-to-earth personality. He's able to transfer responsibilities to his team and allows them to learn from their mistakes. He shares his knowledge and insights, but also recognizes that people learn most effectively through trial and error.

7. The servant leader

A servant leader is someone who puts the needs of others above their own. This type of leader is often considered a “selfless” person. They’re able to see the potential in others and are willing to sacrifice their own needs for the greater good.

An example of a servant leader is Mahatma Gandhi. He’s known for his selfless dedication to the cause of Indian independence.

8. The moral leader

A moral leader is someone who operates from a set of principles and values. This type of leader is often considered a “moral compass”. They’re able to make decisions based on what is right and wrong, not what is popular or expedient.

An example of a moral leader is Nelson Mandela. He’s known for his unshakeable commitment to justice and equality.

9. The creative leader

A creative leader is someone who is able to generate new and innovative ideas. This type of leader is often considered a “left brain” person. They’re able to see the potential in others and are constantly looking for ways to improve.

An example of a creative leader is Pixar co-founder and CEO John Lasseter. He’s known for his ability to see the potential in new technologies and his commitment to innovation.

10. The authentic leader

An authentic leader is someone who is genuine and honest. This type of leader is often considered a “truth-teller”. They’re able to make decisions based on what is right and wrong, not what is popular or expedient.

An example of an authentic leader is Warren Buffet. He’s known for his honesty and integrity. Berkshire Hathaway has become one of the most successful companies in the world because of his leadership.

11. The persistent leader

A persistent leader is someone who is relentless in the pursuit of their goals. This type of leader is often considered a “go-getter”. They’re able to make things happen and are constantly looking for ways to improve.

An example of a persistent leader is Stephen Hawking. He’s known for his ability to overcome adversity and his commitment to his work. Despite being diagnosed with ALS, he has continued to make significant contributions to the field of physics.

12. The resourceful leader

A resourceful leader is someone who is able to find the resources necessary to achieve their goals. This type of leader is often considered a “thinker”. They’re able to see the potential in people and situations and are able to make the connections necessary to achieve success.

An example of a resourceful leader is Abraham Lincoln. He’s known for his ability to find the resources necessary to achieve his goals and his dedication to the cause of justice. During his time as President, he was able to find the resources necessary to fund the Civil War.

13. The confident leader<strong></strong>

A confident leader is someone who is secure in their abilities and believes in their own ability to achieve their goals. This type of leader is often considered a “self-starter”. They’re able to take risks and are constantly looking for ways to improve.

An example of a confident leader is

14. The inspirational leader

An inspirational leader is someone who can motivate and encourage others to achieve their goals. This type of leader is often considered a “people person”. They’re able to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals.

An example of an inspirational leader is Albert Einstein. He’s known for his down-to-earth and calm personality. To this day, his findings are being utilized to lead physicists to new frontiers, allowing us to comprehend our significance on the largest scale.

15. The inclusive leader

An inclusive leader is someone who makes sure everyone feels like they’re part of the team. This type of leader is often considered a “team player”. They’re able to see the potential in others and are willing to sacrifice their own needs for the greater good.

An example of an inclusive leader is Maxine Williams, the Global Director of Diversity at Meta. She’s known for her dedication to inclusion and her commitment to making sure everyone feels like they belong.

16. The charismatic leader

A charismatic leader is someone who has a strong presence and is able to inspire others. This type of leader is often considered a “people person”. They’re able to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals.

An example of a charismatic leader is Martin Luther King. He’s known for his determination and his passion for helping others. Under his leadership, the civil rights movement made significant progress in achieving equality for all.

17. The transformational leader

A transformational leader is someone who is able to create change. This type of leader is often considered a “change agent”. They’re able to see the potential in others and are constantly looking for ways to improve.

An example of a transformational leader is Winston Churchill. He’s known for his ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve their goals. Under his leadership, the United Kingdom was able to successfully resist the Nazi invasion during World War II.

How to decide which type of leadership is needed?

The above summary presents just a few examples of the different types of leaders out there. Every situation might call for a different type of leader and approach.

Consider the goals that need to be achieved and the people involved. Each situation is unique and will require a different approach. It’s also important to remember that no one type of leader is better than another.

You can learn from the different types of leaders and use their approaches to achieve success in your own life. What’s important is that you find what works best for you and the situation you’re in. There’s no one right way to lead, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Things to take-away

  • There are different types of leaders to learn from. The best way to learn about leadership is to find a leader that you admire and try to emulate their style.
  • When trying to decide which type of leadership is needed, consider the goals that need to be achieved and the people involved.
  • There’s no one right way to lead, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your situation.

About me

Hi, I’m Lilian. I’m currently the head of a design team in a digital agency in Amsterdam and love to write about leadership and share tips based on my experience over the past couple of years.

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I decided to start this blog as a way to share my thoughts on leadership. I’m passionate about helping others learn more about leadership and how to be a good leader, so I hope this blog will be helpful to those who are looking for tips and advice on leadership.

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