Why the Best Project Leaders Don't Stick to One Style

The role of the project manager is not about following one rigid formula for success. The old “command-and-control” model is outdated. Instead, the best leadership styles in management are defined by adaptability, awareness, and the ability to shift approaches depending on what the project and the people need.

Recent research and thought leadership in project management make it clear: if you want to exceed expectations as a project leader, you can’t rely on a single style. You need to master multiple approaches and know when to apply each one.

Leadership Styles in Project Management

There are many ways to categorize leadership in project management, each offering valuable insight into how leaders guide their teams. Cindy Margules, PMP, explored this in her conference paper, “Styles of Leadership—How to Avoid ‘Leisure Suits,’ ‘High Waters,’ and Other Career-Ending Mistakes.”

Another widely cited framework comes from Daniel Goleman, who identifies six leadership styles: visionary, coaching, affiliative, democratic, pacesetting, and commanding. Each style emphasizes different ways leaders can motivate, guide, and influence their teams.

• Visionary – Inspires people by setting a clear direction and long-term vision.

• Coaching – Focuses on developing team members’ strengths and preparing them for future goals.

• Affiliative – Builds strong emotional bonds and fosters team harmony.
  Democratic (Participative) – Encourages collaboration and values input from the whole team.

• Pacesetting – Sets high performance standards and expects excellence through example.

• Commanding (Directive) – Demands immediate results and compliance.

These are not the only leadership models worth exploring, but they illustrate a key truth: every style has strengths and limitations. Visionary and coaching leaders often excel in providing clarity and growth opportunities. Affiliative and democratic leaders strengthen morale and collaboration. Pacesetting and commanding leadership can be effective in high-pressure situations, but may risk burnout or disengagement if overused.

The point is not to pick a single style, but to build a flexible toolkit of approaches you can draw from as circumstances change.

Why Switching Leadership Styles Matters

Research and practice in project management suggest that leaders who adapt their style during a project tend to see stronger outcomes than those who rely on just one approach.

In fact, many successful project managers report shifting their leadership style several times across a project. These changes are often driven by time pressures, shifting priorities, or team dynamics.

Early on, a more directive style can provide structure and clarity. As the project moves forward, leaders often transition toward more collaborative or coaching approaches to keep the team engaged and accountable.

The takeaway: effective leadership isn’t about sticking to a single style; it’s about reading the situation, understanding the team, and flexing your approach when it’s needed most.

Leadership Growth Through Training and Self-Reflection

Knowing the theory is only half the battle. To truly master leadership in project management, you need to invest in training and personal development. Effective project management training  talks about leadership styles and focuses on:

• Self-Reflection: Understanding your natural tendencies and how they affect the team.

• Seeking Feedback: Asking peers and team members how they experience your leadership.

• Professional Development: Engaging in training programs, reading insights widely, and exploring podcasts on leadership and project management.

• Adaptability: Practicing how to adjust your style to project context, culture, and deadlines.

• Core Skills: Strengthening communication, conflict resolution, and team-building.

At Paton Consulting, we design programs that help project leaders move beyond theory, developing the self-awareness and flexibility needed to lead teams effectively.

The Takeaway

The real question in project leadership isn’t “Which style is best?” Instead, it’s how well you can adapt, combine, and switch between styles to meet the evolving needs of your project. Research shows that leaders who do this consistently achieve higher success rates, stronger team engagement, and better project outcomes.

By investing in training, practicing self-awareness, and building a versatile leadership toolkit, you’ll position yourself to lead with confidence, agility, and integrity.

Ready to refine your leadership style and build your ultimate toolkit? Connect with Paton Consulting to explore our project management leadership training programs.