As a manager of software developers, I struggle with they best way to use the enormous power that I have. :-)
I used to like thinking of myself as a Benevolent Dictator. While I encourage people to offer their opinions, I'm a strong believer that democracy in the workplace is doomed to failure. For those of you at TG that disagree, just ask Glenn where your Dev Team jackets are. I learned the lesson the hard way.
I've also identified with the role of a NerdHerder. Nerd Herding is difficult. Keeping developers together and moving in the same direction is a difficult task. I also make it hard on myself by trying to hire developers that have a lot of passion and drive. These types of nerds always have a new idea and want to implement it. My best advice for this situation is to challenge the unruly nerd: if he wants to strike out on a new path then he's got to take the rest of the herd with him. This is a win-win situation for you ' either you've just created a new leader in your group or you've taught a developer a tough lesson.
Lately I've heard lots about Servant Leadership. I haven't read much about this and the little bit that I have read makes me feel that it's a bit to fluffy to work. I do like the 'servant' part of it. I've always thought that I work for my developers rather than vice versa. They're the ones doing the work and what I need to do is make it as easy as possible for them to fulfill their goals. However, I've never been able to implement this in every situation. Every so often, I find I need to switch back to the Benevolent Dictator during a crunch time.
What type of leader do you like best'