
Research from leadership expert Dan Goleman suggests that there are 6 leadership styles, some of which might be contradictory. The best leaders, according to his research, develop and learn to implement all 6 styles, but at different times depending on the purpose and the circumstance.
Goleman's groundbreaking model includes the leadership styles: Visionary, Coaching, Affiliative, Democratic, Pacesetting, and Commanding.
Legendary Green Bay Packers football coach Vince Lombardi was commanding on the field. But he was affiliative when bringing the team together in the locker room, or coaching when he worked one-on-one with star quarterback Bart Starr to improve his odds of scoring a touchdown in the final minutes of a playoff game.
We are excited to be piloting our new Team Building module in October.
Our plan is to help kids and teens who participate understand that there are moments a leader needs to be firm—and raise her voice—to build a team.
There are other moments to be the steady pacesetter. Sometimes, she must be democratic in bringing together a range of opinions on a project, and the different inputs and styles may appear contradictory at times.
That is is the role of a leader.
In the Team Building module, we demonstrate that teams are groups of people united around a common goal, working together in order to succeed—whether that's in sports, business, academics, or even the musical arts! Each member of a team has a specific role to play, and the team as a whole is always more important than any individual member.

Maybe because she is working in a loud basketball arena, and she would not be heard otherwise. Maybe because she is working to communicate urgency, and moving the moment from an affiliative style (to connect to the team) to a commanding style to get the group moving now!
We help participants understand the commanding aspect of team building with this video from Coach Carter, played so well by Golden Globe award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson. He plays the coach in this scene, driving his team to victory, despite difficult odds. He demonstrates in his tone, his physical stature, and in his language that he is engaged and deeply committed to his team and the outcome of the game.
And you will see that he raises his voice pretty well to help drive the team forward in a critical moment of performance! Notice he is not abusive. He does not cross critical boundaries of respect and mutuality at any point in the exchange.

We believe these skills include creating a meaningful vision for a team and inspiring commitment and team spirit, setting measurable goals, identifying key strengths and weaknesses in team members, defining roles and responsibilities, developing guidelines for accountability, building group trust, and adapting positively to changes.
As we prepare to launch our Team Building module this fall, we anticipate the unique knowledge and experience of our students. It's always fascinating.

As we prepare to launch our Team Building module this fall, we anticipate the unique knowledge and experience of our students. It's always fascinating.