Leadership Styles

Leadership styles vary depending on the organization, the situation, and even the specific individuals and objectives of the Scrum project. Some common leadership styles described in the SBOK are as follows:

•  Servant Leadership—Servant leaders employ listening, empathy, commitment, and insight while sharing power and authority with team members. Servant leaders are stewards who achieve results by focusing on the needs of the team. This style is the embodiment of the Scrum Master role.
•  Delegating—Delegating leaders are involved in the majority of decision making; however, they delegate some planning and decision-making responsibilities to team members, particularly if they are competent to handle the assigned tasks. This leadership style is appropriate in situations where the leader is in tune with specific project details, and when time is limited.
•   Autocratic—Autocratic leaders make decisions on their own, allowing team members little, if any involvement or discussion before a decision is made. This leadership style should only be used on rare occasions.
•   Directing— Directing leaders instruct team members which tasks are required, when they should be performed and how they should be performed.
•  Laissez Faire—With this leadership style, the team is left largely unsupervised, so the leader does not interfere with their daily work activities. Often this style leads to a state of anarchy.
•  Coaching/Supportive—Coaching and supportive leaders issue instructions and then support and monitor team members through listening, assisting, encouraging, and presenting a positive outlook during times of uncertainty.
•  Task-Oriented—Task-oriented leaders enforce task completion and adherence to deadlines.
• Assertive—Assertive leaders confront issues and display confidence to establish authority with respect.