Stepping into management for the first time is exciting—and a little overwhelming. Suddenly you’re responsible not just for your own results but for how your team performs, communicates, and grows. Many new managers think leadership means finding one “perfect” style. But leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best leaders know how to flex and adapt their approach to the situation—and that’s exactly what Daniel Goleman’s six leadership styles help you do.
Think of Your Leadership as a Toolbox
Imagine your strengths as tools in a high-performance toolbox. A great set of tools doesn’t build anything on its own. It’s about knowing which tool to pick up, when to use it, and how to adapt when the project changes. That’s the essence of self-leadership—asking, How can I lead myself and my team to greatness with what I’ve been given? Goleman’s framework is a practical map for that toolbox.
The Six Leadership Styles
Goleman’s research, grounded in emotional intelligence, revealed that the most effective leaders don’t rely on a single style. They blend and switch based on the team’s needs, the challenge at hand, and the goals ahead. Here’s a quick look at all six:
- Visionary – Provides a clear direction and unites the team around a purpose.
- Coaching – Develops people for the long term through feedback and support.
- Affiliative – Builds harmony, trust, and connection.
- Democratic – Draws on group input and builds buy-in through collaboration.
- Pacesetting – Sets high standards and leads by example to drive quick results.
- Commanding – Brings order and clarity in crises or urgent situations.
The Three Styles That Create the Strongest Climate
While each style has a place, Visionary, Coaching, and Affiliative are the three with the most consistently positive impact on team culture and performance. Visionary is like a compass. It answers the “why does this matter?” question and keeps everyone aligned. Overuse, though, can feel like a monologue instead of a mission. Coaching is like a level in your toolkit. It steadies the team and develops their skills so they can thrive long-term. Affiliative is the glue. It builds relationships and trust so people feel valued and supported. It works best when paired with Visionary leadership to stay grounded in direction. The other styles—Democratic, Pacesetting, and Commanding—are like power tools. They can be incredibly effective for specific jobs (like emergencies or high-skill, fast-moving teams) but risky if overused.
How to Apply Goleman’s Styles as a First-Time Manager
The real leadership skill is choosing the right style at the right moment. Here are three quick self-check questions to guide you: Does my team need clarity and direction? → Visionary. Do they need growth and skill development? → Coaching. Do they need connection and trust? → Affiliative. For fast deadlines or crisis moments, you might temporarily reach for Pacesetting or Commanding, but use them intentionally and sparingly. And remember to involve the team with Democratic leadership when input and consensus will strengthen the decision.
Why This Matters for New Managers
First-time managers often feel pressure to “get it right” immediately. But leadership is less about finding a perfect formula and more about flexibility and self-awareness. By understanding Goleman’s six leadership styles, you gain clarity about your natural default style, confidence to adjust when the situation demands something different, and connection with your team because you meet them where they are. Over time, you’ll not only solve problems—you’ll build a team that thrives under any conditions.
Learn it Live in 20 Minutes
Want to experience these styles in action and practice flexing them? Join our upcoming tagTwenty: The Power of How We Lead on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 12:00 to 12:20 PM PT. In just 20 minutes you’ll identify your primary leadership style, learn when and how to shift to others, and leave with one concrete action to try next week. Even if you can’t attend live, register to receive the full recording and resources.
Your Next Step as a Leader
Leadership isn’t about sticking to one way of working. It’s about having a toolbox of styles and the self-awareness to use the right one at the right time. Whether you’re managing your first team or building a long-term career as a people leader, mastering Goleman’s leadership styles will give you a powerful edge. Ready to lead with confidence? Sign up for the October 16 tagTwenty session here and start building the flexibility and insight that great leaders share.
