Most leaders have a “Style.” “I am a nice boss.” “I am a strict boss.” “I am a democratic boss.”
This is vanity. The moment you identify with a single style, you become a liability. A surgeon does not say, “I am a Scalpel Surgeon, I don’t believe in stitches.” They use the tool the patient needs.
The 4 Modes of the Master
Based on the Path-Goal framework, you must shapeshift between four distinct avatars depending on the Team’s State, not your preference.
1. The Commander (Directive)
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When to use: High Chaos, Low Competence, Emergency.
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The Signal: The building is on fire.
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The Action: “Do X. Then Do Y. Do not ask questions.”
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Trap: Using this when things are calm makes you a tyrant.
2. The Challenger (Achievement)
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When to use: High Competence, Low Boredom.
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The Signal: The team is good, but they are cruising.
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The Action: “This target is too easy. We are going to double it. Here is the impossible goal.”
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Trap: Using this on a burnt-out team breaks them.
3. The Diplomat (Participative)
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When to use: High Ambiguity, Experts in the room.
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The Signal: You don’t know the answer, but they might.
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The Action: “I don’t know the path. Let’s debate until we find it.”
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Trap: Using this in a crisis creates paralysis.
4. The Gardner (Supportive)
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When to use: High Stress, Personal Crisis.
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The Signal: The work is hard, and morale is cracking.
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The Action: “Forget the deadline for a moment. What do you need? How can I clear the road?”
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Trap: Using this on a lazy team enables mediocrity.
The Protocol
Before you walk into a meeting, ask yourself: “Which Avatar does this room need right now?” If you are naturally “Nice,” but the room needs a “Commander,” you must wear the mask. Your comfort is irrelevant. The mission is the only thing that matters.
#DhandheKaFunda: A leader who cannot change their style is not a leader. They are a broken clock that is right only twice a day.