Leadership is more than just managing people or projects—it’s an expression of who you are, how you think, and how you inspire others. As a female leader in higher education, your leadership is a reflection of who you are—your personality, values, and approach to challenges. Understanding your leadership style can help you leverage your strengths while guiding your team toward success. Whether you lead with assertiveness, persuasion, empathy, or precision, your leadership style reveals the qualities that make you an effective leader. 

If you don’t know your leadership style yet, take our free quiz. Let’s explore the four key leadership styles: Dominant, Influential, Supportive, and Conscientious, and what each says about you.

The Dominant Leader: Assertive and Decisive

As a dominant leader, you are direct, powerful, and decisive. You drive results and push your team to achieve ambitious goals. You focus on efficiency and solutions rather than getting bogged down by problems or processes. Your leadership style shows confidence in your ability to make quick decisions and create new systems, even when faced with historical boundaries. You thrive in dynamic environments where you can take charge, move work forward, and achieve results.

What This Says About You
You are task-oriented, results-driven, and thrive under pressure. You take responsibility and lead confidently, providing clear direction for your team. Your ability to set demanding goals and act quickly makes you a natural leader in fast-paced situations. While you effectively push for success, developing patience, politeness, and collaboration can further enhance your leadership impact.

The Influential Leader: Charismatic and People-Oriented

As an influential leader, you shape your environment through persuasion and connection. You are optimistic and energetic and excel at building relationships. Your leadership style shows that you are charismatic and use your social skills to inspire and motivate others. You create a relaxed environment where people feel valued and encouraged to share ideas. Leading with optimism and creativity empowers your team to take action and reach their goals.

What This Says About You
You are people-focused, approachable, and bring energy to every situation. Your optimism and enthusiasm inspire others to follow your lead. You prioritize relationships and team cohesion, making you a leader who values collaboration and inclusion. While your strengths lie in building rapport, focusing on follow-through and direct communication can help you create a more balanced leadership approach.

The Supportive Leader: Empathetic and Patient

As a supportive leader, you lead with empathy, patience, and a strong sense of teamwork. Your leadership style emphasizes creating a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. You prefer collaboration over competition and seek to foster strong relationships within your team. Your calm and modest approach helps your team feel secure and supported, and you’re known for guiding rather than pushing.

What This Says About You
You are a compassionate leader who values cooperation and stability. Your focus on inclusivity and methodical progress creates a positive, supportive atmosphere where people can thrive. You listen more than you speak and work hard to ensure everyone has a voice. While your leadership style builds trust, honing your decision-making and multitasking skills can help you lead more dynamically when situations demand quick action.

The Conscientious Leader: Analytical and Precise

As a Conscientious leader, you are methodical, disciplined, and detail-oriented. You have a deliberate approach to leadership, focusing on accuracy, high standards, and thoughtful decision-making. Your leadership style shows that you are an expert who values data and logic, ensuring that everything works as it should before making a move. You prefer to gather all the facts and approach challenges with objective reasoning, making you a skilled problem-solver.

What This Says About You
You are a strategic leader who excels at analyzing data and planning meticulously. Your team relies on your precise approach to ensure projects are executed with care and accuracy. While your attention to detail is a great asset, working on compromising, making quicker decisions, and focusing on the bigger picture will help you lead with greater flexibility.

What’s Your Leadership Style?

Your leadership style reflects your strengths, values, and approach to leading others. Whether you’re dominant, influential, conscientious, or a supportive leader, your style says beautiful things about you. So, what’s your Leadership Superpower? Take our free quiz now to find out!

Each style brings something unique and contributes to building strong, motivated teams. If you’re unsure of your leadership style, working with a leadership coach, especially one specializing in women of color in higher education, can ensure you’re building the confidence you need to lead your organization effectively.