As a wellness leader, you dedicate your energy to healing and inspiring others – but running a business or creating a community initiative means wearing the hat of a leader. Whether you’re growing a team, hiring freelancers, or communicating with stakeholders, understanding the distinct wellness leadership styles will give you the clarity to guide others while staying true to your mission. This guide will explore seven leadership styles to help you assess your strengths, navigate collaborations, and grow your wellness business.
Every Wellness Professional Is a Leader
Guess what! Even if you work independently or run a small practice, you’re a leader. You’ve taken the initiative to turn your vision into reality – whether that’s creating a yoga studio, a coaching business, a healthcare clinic, a private practice, a skin spa, or a wellness product. You possess a great gift and a great responsibility.
Watch out! As leaders become comfortable calling themselves “leaders,” they may be tempted to focus on managing others. However, being a powerful leader goes beyond controlling others’ behavior. Strong, recognizable leadership is about influencing and inspiring change, not forcefully demanding it. Leadership is centered in trust. (This applies to all of the wellness leadership styles!)
By recognizing your leadership style, you can:
✓ manage your energy
✓ leverage your natural tendencies
✓ change your natural tendencies
✓ inspire your clients or patients
✓ motivate your team (or future team)
✓ build trust with collaborators or community stakeholders
✓ influence human wellness the way you’ve always imagined
Now, let’s look at seven key leadership styles, so you can improve your professional outcomes and your daily experiences with others.
Transformational Leadership
Transformational leaders are visionaries. They motivate themselves and others to think bigger and achieve more.
Wellness Context:
You might be a transformational leader if you continually inspire your clients and team to push boundaries for personal growth. Use this style to create programs that challenge others while building a supportive community.
Collaboration Tip:
Clearly communicate your vision to freelancers or team members so they feel inspired by your purpose and understand their role in it.
Journal Prompt:
What is one area of my business where I’ve inspired others to make a positive change? How can I bring that same energy to a current challenge or opportunity?
Brand Voice Alignment:
Your brand voice is likely inspiring, motivational, and future-focused. Use phrases like “imagine what’s possible” or “together, we can create…” to connect with your audience and build momentum.
Action Step:
Write a short post or email sharing your vision for your business or wellness philosophy. Highlight why it matters and how others can be a part of it.
Coaching Leadership
Coaching leaders are mentors. They focus on personal development, encouraging individuals to build their strengths while addressing weaknesses.
Wellness Context:
As a coaching leader, you may prioritize one-on-one client relationships, journaling practices, or habit tracking to foster growth. This style makes you an excellent mentor for team members or collaborators who are new to your field.
Collaboration Tip:
When working with freelancers, set aside time to review their work and offer constructive feedback to help them align with your vision.
Journal Prompt:
When was the last time I helped someone see their strengths in a new light? How can I apply this skill to my next meeting or project?
Brand Voice Alignment:
Your brand voice is empathetic, supportive, and encouraging. Use language that feels like you’re having a personal conversation, such as “Let’s explore this together” or “How can I support you today?”
Action Step:
Schedule one-on-one check-ins with your team or patients this week. Focus on identifying one area where they need support and offer tailored advice or resources.
Autocratic Leadership
Autocratic leaders are decisive experts. They take full responsibility for decision-making, relying on proven systems to guide their choices.
Wellness Context:
You might resonate with this style if you’re detail-oriented and prefer to maintain tight control over your business operations. While this approach works well for efficiency, be mindful of remaining open to feedback.
Collaboration Tip:
Provide freelancers and stakeholders with clear instructions, deadlines, and processes. Establish boundaries to protect your time and focus.
Journal Prompt:
What is one decision I’ve made recently that led to clear results? How might I invite input or collaboration in a way that still aligns with my leadership style?
Brand Voice Alignment:
Your brand voice is authoritative, confident, and directive. Use clear calls to action like “Here’s what to do next” or “Follow this step-by-step guide” to position yourself as a trusted leader.
Action Step:
Identify one upcoming decision where you can involve a team member or collaborator for their input. Communicate that their perspective is valued, even as you retain the final say.
Pacesetting Leadership
Pacesetting leaders are role models. They lead by example, setting high standards for themselves and others.
Wellness Context:
If you’re the type to dive into every project with full energy, expecting the same from your team, you’re likely a pacesetter. This can be motivating but may overwhelm collaborators if expectations aren’t clearly communicated.
Collaboration Tip:
Balance your enthusiasm with realistic goals for your team. Acknowledge their efforts and encourage steady progress.
Journal Prompt:
How have I recently led by example in my business? What steps can I take to support and motivate others without unintentionally overwhelming them?
Brand Voice Alignment:
Your brand voice is energetic, results-driven, and aspirational. Use action-oriented phrases like “Let’s hit this goal together” or “Here’s how we stay ahead of the curve” to reflect your high standards and drive.
Action Step:
Choose one task or behavior to demonstrate to your team or clients this week. Be sure to follow it up with positive reinforcement for their efforts, even if they’re still improving.
Democratic Leadership
Democratic leaders are collaborators. They seek input from others before making decisions.
Wellness Context:
You’re a democratic leader if you thrive on collaboration, valuing the insights of patients, peers, and team members alike. This style fosters strong relationships and builds trust.
Collaboration Tip:
When working with freelancers, involve them in brainstorming sessions and encourage feedback to improve processes and results.
Journal Prompt:
How have I incorporated others’ feedback into my business decisions recently? What can I do to strike a balance between collaboration and decisiveness?
Brand Voice Alignment:
Your brand voice is inclusive, conversational, and collaborative. Use language like “What do you think?” or “We’re in this together” to reflect your focus on building consensus.
Action Step:
Host a quick brainstorming session for your next project or campaign. Set clear boundaries on time and decision-making, and implement at least one idea from the group.
Affiliative Leadership
Affiliative leaders are connectors. They prioritize harmony and emotional well-being, placing trust in their team to guide decisions.
Wellness Context:
If you’re affiliative, you likely prioritize relationships and seek input from trusted advisors or collaborators. This style is ideal for creating a positive, nurturing work environment.
Collaboration Tip:
Build strong connections with your team or freelancers by regularly checking in and celebrating successes, big or small.
Journal Prompt:
What is one way I’ve built trust or strengthened a relationship in my business? How can I ensure that this connection supports both harmony and productivity?
Brand Voice Alignment:
Your brand voice is warm, caring, and relationship-focused. Use phrases like “I appreciate you” or “Let’s nurture this together” to create emotional connection with your audience.
Action Step:
Send a thoughtful note or small token of appreciation to a collaborator, patient, or customer, thanking them for their contributions. Pair it with a clear request or boundary to keep the relationship balanced.
Delegative Leadership
Delegative leaders are strategic outsourcers. They excel at sharing responsibilities while monitoring progress.
Wellness Context:
You might embody this style if you rely on freelancers, assistants, or agencies to handle operations while you focus on big-picture projects. It’s perfect for scaling your business sustainably.
Collaboration Tip:
Provide freelancers with clear guidelines and check in regularly to ensure alignment without micromanaging.
Journal Prompt:
What task or responsibility have I recently delegated successfully? How can I continue to improve the clarity and support I provide when assigning work?
Brand Voice Alignment:
Your brand voice is empowering, flexible, and supportive. Use language like “You’ve got this” or “Here’s a resource to help you succeed” to inspire confidence in your audience.
Action Step:
Create a clear checklist or resource guide for the next task you delegate. Follow up with a quick check-in after they start to answer questions and ensure alignment.
The Wellness Leader’s Self-Discovery Quiz
What’s your dominant leadership style? Choose the answer that feels most like you (not what you think you “should” do).
1. When starting a new project, your first priority is to…
a) Set a clear, inspiring vision for what’s possible
b) Understand each team member’s strengths and challenges
c) Make a detailed plan and assign roles immediately
d) Move fast and lead by example
e) Get everyone’s input before making a decision
f) Check in emotionally with the team and build harmony
g) Hand off the project to someone capable and step back
2. A team member makes a mistake. You…
a) Use it as a learning moment and inspire growth
b) Ask questions to help them reflect and grow
c) Correct it directly and remind them of expectations
d) Show how it’s done and keep things moving
e) Gather input from others before deciding how to address it
f) Offer support and ask how they’re feeling
g) Trust them to figure it out, unless it becomes a pattern
3. Your team is struggling to stay motivated. You…
a) Reconnect them with the “why” behind the work
b) Schedule one-on-ones to offer mentorship
c) Push them to meet the standards
d) Step in, get results, and hope they keep up
e) Host a team meeting to brainstorm solutions
f) Focus on restoring trust and emotional well-being
g) Give them more freedom and hope they self-correct
4. During meetings, your style is…
a) Visionary: you focus on the big picture
b) Supportive: you listen more than you talk
c) Directive: you keep things efficient and on track
d) Fast-paced: you keep things moving quickly
e) Collaborative: you want to hear all voices
f) Empathetic: you check the emotional climate
g) Hands-off: you prefer to listen unless needed
5. When setting goals, you tend to…
a) Make them bold, exciting, and purpose-driven
b) Help individuals create personal goals aligned with the mission
c) Set clear expectations and deadlines
d) Set ambitious goals and drive hard to reach them
e) Involve the team in goal-setting
f) Focus on goals that support team well-being
g) Let others set goals and step in only if needed
6. Your biggest strength as a leader is…
a) Inspiring others
b) Developing people
c) Maintaining control and consistency
d) Getting things done quickly
e) Creating inclusive decisions
f) Building emotional safety
g) Trusting your team’s (or client’s) autonomy
7. Your biggest leadership challenge is…
a) Getting bogged down in details
b) Wanting to help too much
c) Being overly controlling
d) Burning out from doing too much
e) Decision-making when the team is split
f) Taking on others’ emotions
g) Letting go too much and becoming disconnected
8. When guiding a client or patient through a challenging health change, you tend to…
a) Paint a clear and inspiring picture of the transformation ahead
b) Ask thoughtful questions to help them uncover their own motivation
c) Provide a structured plan and hold them firmly accountable
d) Lead by example and encourage them to keep up with your pace
e) Co-create a plan together based on shared ideas
f) Focus on emotional support and encouragement throughout the process
g) Give them tools and step back, trusting they’ll figure it out
9. When a client or patient is low on motivation, you…
a) Remind them of the powerful transformation they’re working toward
b) Explore what’s blocking their motivation and co-discover new sparks
c) Re-establish clear expectations and encourage follow-through
d) Push forward and hope your energy helps reignite theirs
e) Ask for their input and adjust the plan to feel more doable
f) Offer reassurance, empathy, and a space to be where they are
g) Step back and trust their inner drive will return in time
10. When it comes to online content and social media, you believe health leaders should…
a) Share bold ideas that challenge people to grow
b) Offer practical tips with lots of empathy and encouragement
c) Be clear, direct, and confident in their expertise
d) Keep it high-impact and results-focused
e) Invite conversation and create community
f) Prioritize warmth, emotional connection, and support
g) Show up when it feels aligned and not force anything
Now, tally your results:
Mostly a’s: You’re probably a Transformational Leader.
Mostly b’s: You’re probably a Coaching Leader.
Mostly c’s: You’re probably an Autocratic Leader.
Mostly d’s: You’re probably a Pacesetting Leader.
Mostly e’s: You’re probably a Democratic Leader.
Mostly f’s: You’re probably an Affiliative Leader.
Mostly g’s: You’re probably a Delegative Leader.
What Are the Best Wellness Leadership Styles?
Plot twist – there is no “best.”
Each approach has its strengths and can shine in different situations, depending on your goals and the people you’re working with. However, when leading in the wellness world – whether it’s your team, clients, or community – it’s essential to strike a balance.
Avoid becoming a micromanager, as this can send the unintended message that you don’t trust others to handle their roles or responsibilities. Trust is the foundation of any thriving relationship, and over-controlling can undermine the confidence of those around you.
On the other hand, being completely hands-off can create the impression that you’re disengaged or unavailable, which may weaken the trust and connection you’ve worked so hard to build.
A great leader stays present, offers guidance and support when needed, and empowers others to rise to their full potential while remaining approachable and invested in their growth.
Equally important is the ability to adapt your leadership and communication style to the individual or group in front of you. Different people are motivated by different things; some thrive with structure and direction, while others need autonomy and emotional support. Whether you’re speaking to a team member, guiding a patient, or leading a group of industry peers, tuning into their personalities, energies, and needs will make your leadership more impactful.
How Wellness Leadership Styles Impact Brand Voice
Your natural leadership style is a powerful compass for discovering your authentic brand voice and how you present yourself online. For instance, if you’re a visionary, transformational leader, you might resonate with The Rebel, challenging norms and inspiring others to follow bold, unconventional paths.
If your leadership is nurturing and empathetic, you may naturally align with The Sweetheart, building trust through kindness and heartfelt communication. Analytical leaders with a detail-oriented approach could gravitate toward The Scientist, offering evidence-based insights and logical solutions.
Meanwhile, a playful, creative style might shine through as The Inner Child, bringing curiosity and wonder to your online presence. Now, if you’re a pacesetter who thrives on energy and humor, The Joker could be your voice, building connections through wit and entertaining authenticity.
By understanding your leadership tendencies, you can shape a brand voice that feels genuine and connects with your audience on a deeper level than before. Want to embody one of the wellness leadership styles while enhancing your brand voice? I’m ready to help!
