Throughout my career in business and in roles within my community, I have connected with all kinds of people. I’ve been both a leader and a team member under various leaders. Through these experiences, I’ve identified what I call the primary leadership archetypes, Development Leadership and Maintenance Leadership. In my experience, both archetypes play critical roles within organizations and understanding them both can positively impact growth and team dynamics. In the following paragraphs, I elaborate on their distinctions.
Development Leadership
A Development Leader is someone who comes into the role with a fresh perspective and develops a new system. They bring innovative ideas, challenge the status quo, and work towards implementing changes that pushes the organization forward. Initially, some within the organization may resist these new ideas. However, Development Leaders are persistent, they have this fire inside of them that pushes them to go past obstacles to implement their vision.
The impact of Development Leadership can be twofold. On the one hand, it can be the start of significant growth by opening new opportunities for their organization. On the other hand, this approach may bring about periods of instability and increased turnover, as adapting to change can be challenging for an organization and or their customers. The key to successful Development Leadership is balancing innovation with empathy for those adapting to the new direction. Finding a way of working with those that are less receptive to change.
Maintenance Leadership
A Maintenance Leader comes in and keeps things moving with the existing system. They prioritize consistency and stability, ensuring that current system remain effective. This type of leader doesn’t bring in new innovations, but instead focuses on perfecting what’s already in place. This leadership style ensures that operations remain steady and reliable.
Maintenance Leadership can be particularly valuable in times when an organization needs stability and consistency. It ensures that day-to-day functions continue without disruption, creating a sense of security for a majority of the team. However, it may not always satisfy high-performing individuals or those seeking new opportunities for growth within the organization.
Why Both Leadership Types Matter
Both Development and Maintenance Leadership in my experience should coexist in an organization. Understanding when each is needed can make a significant difference. Development Leaders are ideal for organizations looking to break redefine themselves, while Maintenance Leaders excel in an organization that is already established and needs continuity. Recognizing the balance between the two can help organizations navigate periods of change.
Ultimately incorporating elements of both leadership styles creates a dynamic where innovation and stability can coexist. Whether you fit the Development Leader or a Maintenance Leader description, your approach is integral to the broader landscape of organizational success. You should not feel inadequate because you are not coming up with bold moves like a Development Leader does or if you are not as stable as a Maintenance Leader.
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