There has been some discussion about what constitutes a leader, so it's no wonder that leader styles vary. Leaders must be able to motivate, guide, coach and inspire others to achieve organizational goals. Leadership style is the way and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people (Medina, 2011). All effective group leaders have four characteristics in common. First, they provide direction and meaning to the people they lead and are responsible for keeping team members aware of important stated goals and objectives (Howard, 2005). Second, they generate trust by acting honestly which creates an environment of trust (Howard, 2005). Third, they prefer action and risk-taking and are willing to operate outside the norm (Howard, 2005). Finally, they are communicators of hope using effective communication skills, leaders encourage others to believe that the expected behavior will result in the successful realization of the stated goal (Howard, 2005). A leader can be effective or ineffective depending on the situation because a leader's style is based on personality. My leadership style consists of servant-leader, transactional and transformational leadership. As a devout Christian, I have been amazed that many of the character traits of servant leadership are easily definable in Christian stewardship. I incorporate each of these styles into my daily interactions with my direct reports. Leadership is complex, so you need to use a variety of styles because the people you lead have different styles of learning, understanding, and executing. You cannot be successful in leadership if you are not willing to change your behavior style as warranted. Changing your behavioral style will also allow you to... be listened to. As a transactional leader you must be tough in your commitment to achieving your company's goals while using motivational tools to get your direct reports to achieve those goals. For leadership to be effective, followers must be able to rely on their leaders and vice versa. There must be a level of mutual trust and both parties must take responsibility for the cohesion of the relationship. Leaders who create feelings of meaning, community, and enthusiasm produce followers who are willing to support their goals; my constant goal is to become that kind of leader. Works Cited Howard, W. C. (2005). Leadership: four styles. Education, 126(2), 384-391. from EBSCOhost.Medina, M. (2011). Leadership and the process of becoming. Existential Analysis: Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis, 22(1), 70-82. from EBSCOhost.