What’s Your Leadership Style? A Look at Leadership in Healthcare

Are you in a leadership role by default—because of your experience, confidence, or just being “that person” who gets things done?

Have you ever had to step up during a tough shift, manage a chaotic team, or coach a new hire without any formal training?

Have you ever wondered how your leadership style affects your ability to guide, support, and inspire your team?

If you nodded along, you’re not alone. In healthcare, leadership doesn’t always come with a title. Sometimes, it just comes with trust, responsibility, and a whole lot of heart.

So… What’s Your Style?

Let’s take a look at a few leadership styles common in healthcare—and how each one can impact the way you lead.

Transformational Leadership

“Let’s grow together.”

You’re a visionary. You lead by inspiring your team to be their best selves, constantly pushing for growth, innovation, and better outcomes.

Best for: Motivating change, building strong cultures, and driving excellence.
Heads up: Pace yourself—burnout is real when you’re always “on.”

Transactional Leadership

“Let’s keep it structured.”

You focus on efficiency, expectations, and accountability. Clear roles, rules, and rewards keep things running smoothly.

Best for: High-pressure, protocol-heavy environments like emergency departments.
Heads up: Don’t forget the human side—structure is great, but support matters too.

Servant Leadership

“How can I support you?”

You lead by lifting others. You listen, empathize, and create space for your team to succeed. Your style builds trust and loyalty.

Best for: Long-term care, hospice, and any setting where emotional intelligence is key.
Heads up: Take care of yourself, too—you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Situational Leadership

“It depends.”

You adapt. Your leadership style changes based on the team, the task, or the challenge at hand. You’re flexible and responsive.

Best for: Leading diverse teams or managing changing patient loads and care environments.
Heads up: Be intentional—your team still needs consistency and clarity.

Ready to Lead with Confidence?

Whether you’ve had formal leadership training or you’ve been learning on the fly, understanding your leadership style is a powerful first step. It helps you lead with purpose, communicate more effectively, and build stronger, more resilient teams.

Want to sharpen your leadership skills and explore your leadership style more deeply? Do you have staff that are ready for the next step or that can benefit from further developing their leadership skills? Check out our leadership courses, designed specifically for healthcare professionals like you. Learn how to lead with confidence, build trust, and grow into the kind of leader your team needs.

Want to discover your leadership style?
Our course Applying Leadership Theories in Healthcare includes a self-assessment quiz to help you find out!

Explore our leadership series today and take the next step in your leadership journey.

Because whether you’re leading a unit, a shift, or just by example—you’re already a leader. Now it’s time to lead well.

Author: Jennifer Walker, Healthcare Program Coordinator & Accredited Provider Program Director

References

Adams J, Mesnik J, Ponte P, Somerville J. (2018). Lead Like a Nurse. Maryland: ANA.

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). “Leadership in Nursing: Qualities & Why It Matters”. Accessed: 03.05.24 from: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/leadership-in-nursing/

Marturano J. (2015). Finding the space to lead: A practical guide to mindful leadership (1st ed.) Bloomsbury Press.

Specchia ML, Cozzolino MR, Carini, et al. (2021). Leadership Styles and Nurses’ Job Satisfaction. Results of a Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4):1552. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18041552