Imagine this: You walk into a room full of successful leaders. Each person commands respect, but they all lead differently. Some inspire through stories, others through action. Some build consensus, others make quick decisions.
The question is: Which leadership style matches you? And more importantly, which one does your team need right now?
This week, I want to share something that changed how I think about leadership. It’s not about finding the “perfect” leadership style—it’s about understanding which persona to use when.

One Topic: Meet the 7 Leadership Personas

Think of these as different styles in your arsenal, each powerful in its own situation.

1. The Commander: When Crisis Calls

Think Steve Jobs during Apple’s comeback
The Commander doesn’t ask—they decide. Fast. Clear. Direct.
When your team faces a crisis or needs immediate direction, this persona steps up. No long meetings, no endless discussions. Just clarity when everything feels chaotic.

• Use this when: There’s a deadline breathing down your neck or your team is paralysed by too many options.
• Skip this when: Your team is experienced and values autonomy. Nobody likes being micromanaged when they know what they’re doing.

2. The Inspirer: Painting Tomorrow’s Picture

Think Martin Luther King Jr. sharing his dream
The Inspirer doesn’t just set goals—they create movements. They help people see a future worth fighting for.
I’ve seen this work magic in startups. When resources are tight but dreams are big, the right story can keep everyone going.

• Use this when: You’re driving change or need people to believe in something bigger than their daily tasks.
• Skip this when: Your team needs practical solutions more than inspiration. Sometimes people need systems, not speeches.

3. The Coach: Growing People Up

Think Oprah lifting others up
The Coach sees potential everywhere. They invest time in people, turning raw talent into stars.
This one’s close to my heart. Some of my best business decisions came from mentors who saw something in me I couldn’t see myself.

• Use this when: Your team has potential but needs guidance. When you have time to invest in growth.
• Skip this when: There’s urgent work to be done. Coaching takes time—sometimes you need quick execution.

4. The Collaborator: Every Voice Matters

Think Nelson Mandela building consensus
The Collaborator believes the best ideas come from everyone. They create space for all voices to be heard.
This works beautifully in creative teams or when making big strategic decisions. Everyone feels ownership.

• Use this when: You need buy-in for major changes or want to tap into collective creativity.
• Skip this when: Time is short or when your team lacks the experience to contribute meaningfully.

5. The Steward: Leading by Serving

Think Gandhi leading through service
The Steward flips leadership upside down. They serve their team first, building deep loyalty through care.
I’ve seen this create incredibly strong company cultures. When people feel genuinely cared for, they’ll move mountains for you.

• Use this when: Your team needs support, healing, or a morale boost.
• Skip this when: Quick, tough decisions are needed without extensive consultation.

6. The Architect: Building Strong Systems

Think Henry Ford perfecting the assembly line

The Architect brings order to chaos. They create processes that work, standards that stick.
This is gold for growing companies. As you scale, systems matter more than individual heroics.

• Use this when: Your team needs stability, consistency, or you’re in a regulated industry.
• Skip this when: You need innovation and flexibility. Too much structure can kill creativity.

7. The Trailblazer: Setting the Pace

Think Jeff Bezos pushing Amazon’s limits
The Trailblazer doesn’t just raise the bar—they pole vault over it. They show what excellence looks like through their own actions.
This persona is magnetic for ambitious teams. When you model the behavior you want to see, people follow.

• Use this when: You’re chasing ambitious goals with a motivated team.
• Skip this when: Your team is already stretched thin. High standards can become overwhelming pressure.

The Real Secret: Flexibility

Here’s what I’ve learned after years of leading teams or reading leaders: The best leaders don’t pick one persona and stick with it. They adapt.
Monday morning might need the Commander to make a tough call. Tuesday afternoon might call for the Coach to develop a struggling team member. Wednesday could require the Collaborator to get everyone aligned on a big decision.
Three questions to ask yourself:

• What does this specific situation require?
• What does my team need from me right now?
• Which persona would serve everyone best?

Your Leadership Challenge, This week, try this:

• Pick one persona you rarely use
• Find a situation where it might work
• Try it out for just one meeting or conversation
• Notice what happens

The goal isn’t to become someone else. It’s to expand your toolkit so you can serve your team better.

Remember: Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about knowing which questions to ask and which persona to bring to each moment.

So, which persona will you experiment with this week?

Read last week’s JustDraft newsletter about Pyramid Principle.

Two Quotes to Inspire

A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t thinkthey can go.

Strategy without execution is daydreaming. Execution without strategy is a nightmare.

One Passage From My Bookshelf

There are leaders and there are those who lead. Leaders hold a position of power or authority, but those who lead inspire us. Whether they’re individuals or organizations, we follow those who lead, not because we have to, but because we want to. We follow those who lead, not for them, but for ourselves. And it’s those who start with WHY that have the ability to inspire those around them or find others who inspire them.

WHY does your organization exist? WHY do you get out of bed in the morning? And WHY should anyone care? As it turns out, all the great inspiring leaders and organizations in the world, whether it’s Apple or Martin Luther King or the Wright brothers, they all think, act and communicate the exact same way. And it’s the complete opposite of everyone else. All I did was codify it, and it’s probably the world’s simplest idea. I call it the golden circle.
📚From “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek