In Part 1, we explored how task- and relationship-oriented leadership, as well as authoritative vs. democratic styles, impact the minds, emotions, and spiritual health of those we lead. But leadership is not one-size-fits-all. In fact, Scripture, psychology, and neuroscience together reveal that different leadership styles engage different parts of the brain, appeal to different motivational systems, and reflect different aspects of Christlike character.
The more we understand these patterns, the more intentional we can become—not just in what we do, but in how we lead.
In this post, we’ll explore six additional leadership styles that show up in both secular and Christian spaces, and how they can be discerned, developed, or redirected with wisdom.
Transformational Leadership
This style motivates by casting vision, inspiring change, and fostering growth in others. It’s centered around emotional connection, shared purpose, and a passion for transformation. It activates dopamine pathways, which drive motivation, optimism, and long-term focus. Teams under transformational leaders often feel energized and hopeful. Jesus was the ultimate transformational leader. He didn’t just meet people where they were—He called them forward: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19). However, without emotional regulation or grounded systems, transformational leaders can burn out—or unintentionally overextend their teams in the name of vision.
Transactional Leadership
This leadership style is built on clear expectations, performance metrics, and rewards. It thrives in high-structure, goal-oriented environments. It strengthens reward-learning loops in the brain: perform → receive reward. This boosts focus, accountability, and short-term motivation. Though often criticized in Christian circles, transactional leadership echoes some of Paul’s clear exhortations: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess. 3:10). However, this style can overlook emotional and spiritual development, leading to burnout, performance-based identity, or legalism if left unbalanced.
Situational Leadership
Popularized by Hersey & Blanchard, situational leadership teaches that great leaders adapt their style based on the needs, maturity, and context of their team. This style develops cognitive flexibility—the ability to shift emotional responses and communication strategies in real-time. Jesus led the crowds, His disciples, the Pharisees, and hurting individuals all differently. He spoke to each according to their spiritual state and readiness to receive. However, without a clear inner compass or maturity, situational leaders may come off as inconsistent or people-pleasing.
Servant Leadership
Servant leadership centers on others’ well-being, development, and empowerment. It emphasizes humility, listening, and sacrificial support. It promotes psychological safety, reducing cortisol and increasing oxytocin, creating environments where trust and vulnerability flourish. This is the heartbeat of Jesus’ leadership: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Mark 10:45). And again in John 13, He washed His disciples’ feet. However, if not paired with vision and courage, servant leaders can become passive, enabling, or burned out from trying to carry everyone else’s burdens.
Visionary Leadership
Visionary leaders are forward-thinking, idealistic, and purpose-driven. They paint compelling pictures of the future and rally others toward it. Their leadership triggers the brain’s anticipation and goal-orientation systems, releasing dopamine and enhancing long-term planning. Nehemiah modeled visionary leadership when he rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls with clarity, strategy, and spiritual conviction. Paul’s entire ministry was driven by a call to reach new regions with the gospel. A potential weakness could be that visionaries can struggle to stay grounded in present realities, overlooking emotional cues or relational health in the pursuit of progress.
Laissez-Faire (Hands-Off) Leadership
This low-intervention style trusts others to take initiative. It works well with self-motivated teams but can feel absent or disengaged to others. In well-functioning groups, this style promotes autonomy and can boost intrinsic motivation. But in unstructured environments, it increases stress and confusion due to lack of feedback. God grants us free will—not micromanaging our every decision. But He also leads, corrects, and speaks. The danger is when leaders disengage in the name of trust, leaving others unsupported. A weakness could be that without structure, accountability, or presence, this leadership often creates confusion, missed goals, and emotional disconnection.
The Style Isn’t the Point—The Fruit Is
At the end of the day, no style is inherently right or wrong. What matters is the fruit it produces, the maturity with which it’s wielded, and the Christlike spirit behind it.
Some styles need to be strengthened.
Some need to be softened.
Some need to be surrendered altogether and rebuilt from a healthier foundation.
The invitation is this:
Know how you lead.
Know how others receive it.
And let the Spirit transform your leadership from the inside out.
Self-Reflection
- Which leadership style most closely reflects how I currently lead?
- Which styles challenge me, and why?
- What would it look like for me to grow in flexibility while staying rooted in biblical character?
References:
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence
- Hersey, P., & Blanchard, K. H. (1969). Situational Leadership Model
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-Determination Theory
- Spears, L. C. (1995). Reflections on Leadership: How Robert K. Greenleaf’s Theory Serves Today’s Leaders
- The Holy Bible, NIV
A Girl & Her God 