Reference no: EM133482954

Formal leaders are typically given their formality based on their position in the organization and usually have power based on that position. It is typically the people at the 'top' of the organizational chart. Informal leaders are those who have earned respect from their colleagues but may not have an official title.

I think we are getting caught up in the definitions of the terms only and not seeing that there can be some flexibility. You would consider me a formal leader based on my title, I am a regional supervisor and have employees that report to me. But I don't act like a formal leader as defined by some of your posts. I am very much like an informal leader with a title and I'm okay with that. I would rather work alongside my employees, guiding them through coaching and showing them I care, then sit on a theoretical throne.

Do you think that formal leaders can have the same kind of style as an informal leader to be effective?