The Leader In You: The 4 Types Every Doctor Should Know
Discover the Four Leadership Styles That Shape Every Doctor’s Journey
Hey Superdoc community,
Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We often believe that leadership means having the loudest voice or making all the decisions, but true leadership is a blend of different styles, each one suited to specific situations. Over time, I’ve come to understand that we all embody different leadership styles depending on the moment we’re in—whether we’re making a tough decision in the ICU, guiding our teams in the cricket field , or even leading ourselves in the face of adversity.
For those of you who don’t consider yourselves leaders, stick with me until the end, because we’re going to explore why developing leadership is a necessary soft skill—even if you don’t have an official title.
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the four key types of leaders: the Dictator, the Diplomat, the Technocrat, and the Transformative Leader. Today, I’ll help you reflect on what kind of leader you are—not just with others, but also with yourself using some of my favourite characters.
The Dictator Leader:
Let’s begin with the Dictator leader—a style rooted in power and control. This leadership approach thrives on making quick, unilateral decisions, which can be essential in high-pressure environments. However, it often comes at the cost of trust, collaboration, and long-term loyalty.The following are a few analogies to this type of leaderships
Bhallaladev from Baahubali:
Bhallaladev is a classic example of a dictator leader. His leadership is about dominance and absolute authority. In the kingdom of Mahishmati, he secures his position by forcing others to follow his lead without question, using fear as his primary tool. He wins battles, but his victories are hollow, leaving behind a trail of resentment and mistrust.
Thanos from The Avengers:
Similarly, Thanos, with his infamous “snap,” exemplifies how dictator leaders achieve their goals through ruthless efficiency but at a steep cost. His actions are swift and decisive, but he isolates himself from the very beings he claims to be helping. Like Bhallaladev, his leadership is effective in the short term but destroys unity and loyalty.
In the early phases of my career, I found myself adopting a dictatorial style in the ICU during crisis situations. The intensity of life-or-death decisions often left me feeling like I had no choice but to take full control. Success came, but I soon realized it was getting harder to motivate the team and build cohesion. Leadership through power alone might win battles, but it rarely builds a team that stands united.
The Diplomat Leader:
Diplomatic leaders build teams through balance and inclusivity. They believe in bringing people together, weighing everyone’s input before making a decision. This leadership style promotes harmony and loyalty, but it can sometimes slow down decision-making in high-pressure situations.
Captain America from The Avengers:
Captain America exemplifies the diplomatic leader. His entire journey through the Avengers films is one of unity and collaboration. Steve Rogers fights not just for victory but for what’s right. His moral compass ensures that every team member’s voice is heard. Even in times of conflict, such as in Civil War, he prioritizes principle and fairness, never alienating his team for personal gain.
Sivagami from Baahubali:
Sivagami, the powerful Queen Mother of Mahishmati, is another example of a diplomatic leader. She commands respect and makes decisions that keep the kingdom united. She often balances conflicting views from both Baahubali and Bhallaladev, and though her decisions aren’t always swift, they are deeply considered and rooted in justice.
As I evolved in my leadership journey, I found myself adopting a more diplomatic approach. Especially in the hospital, where we work with interdisciplinary teams, listening to multiple opinions became crucial. However, there were times when this style impeded my decision-making speed, especially in high-stakes situations. I’ve learned that diplomacy is important, but it requires balance—too much deliberation can sometimes lead to missed opportunities.
The Technocrat Leader:
The Technocrat leader thrives on logic, data, and efficiency. In high-stakes, data-driven environments, technocratic leadership can be incredibly effective. However, this style can overlook the emotional or human side of leadership, which is just as important in fields like healthcare.
Iron Man from The Avengers:
Tony Stark, or Iron Man, is the quintessential technocrat. His leadership is fueled by technology, data, and rapid problem-solving. Stark’s ability to think on his feet, backed by precise data, helps him save the day countless times. But this reliance on technology often isolates him, and his decisions, though effective, can sometimes come off as cold or detached.
Captain Spock & Commander Data from Star Trek:
Captain Spock’s logic-driven decision-making and Data’s reliance on facts often solve problems efficiently, but they lack the emotional intelligence needed in more complex situations.
In my own practice, especially during life-or-death situations, I’ve had to rely on the technocratic approach. Data and logic guided many of my quick decisions. But over time, I realized that even in these moments, emotional support for families and patients should never be overlooked. The best leaders balance logic with compassion.
The Transformative Leader:
The Transformative Leader focuses on long-term vision and empowering others. This leadership style builds loyalty and lasting success by inspiring others to become the best versions of themselves.
Baahubali from Baahubali:
Baahubali’s leadership stands in stark contrast to Bhallaladev’s. While Bhallaladev seeks power, Baahubali empowers his people. His leadership isn’t about commanding obedience; it’s about inspiring loyalty. The people of Mahishmati love him because he fights for them, not just for himself.
MS Dhoni:
MS Dhoni is known for his calm and composed leadership style. He empowers his players to take ownership of their roles, allowing them to grow into leaders themselves. His transformative leadership style helped build one of the most successful cricket teams in history.
As I continued evolving as a leader, I realized the importance of shifting towards transformative leadership. I wanted to build teams that were cohesive, empowered, and inspired. I now focus on empowering those around me, whether it’s my medical team, my patients’ families, or the students I mentor. Transformative leadership isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about building a legacy.
The Leadership Reflection
So, what type of leader are you? Who are the leaders in your life you aspire to become ?
In high-stakes environments like hospitals, we often have to adopt different leadership styles depending on the situation. But it’s important to ask ourselves a few key questions:
• What type of leader are you with yourself during difficult decision-making?
• What type of leader are you with your patients and their families?
• What type of leader are you with your team?
• What type of leader are you with your colleagues?
Reflect on these questions and consider whether your leadership style fits the situation or whether you need to adjust it. Every leadership style has its strengths and weaknesses, but great leaders know how to adapt.
Conclusion
Leadership is an evolving journey. The right leadership style in one situation might not work in another, and sometimes, the most important leadership is the one we show to ourselves. The goal isn’t to be perfect but to grow and adapt, always striving to build a team, community, or legacy that lasts.
Remember, whether you’re leading a team of doctors, guiding patients and families through tough decisions, or leading yourself through a personal challenge—lead with purpose, compassion, and growth in mind.
Stay balanced, stay healthy.
Dr.Krishna Bharath , MD