Most managers and CEOs believe they should be proactive rather than reactive. This makes sense: Isn’t it better to prepare and act first rather than scramble to put out fires later? Of course, it’s not that simple. A deeper look at both leadership styles shows that being a proactive leader might not always be the answer.

The Difference Between Proactive and Reactive Leadership

A proactive leader anticipates challenges and prepares to tackle them before they arise. A reactive leader, on the other hand, responds to challenges when they appear. Both leadership styles have advantages and drawbacks, so it’s unclear whether one is always better.

Taking a proactive approach to leadership allows you to avoid many obvious challenges simply by planning ahead. For example, it would be better to be proactive rather than reactive regarding scheduling during busy seasons. Many business emergencies result from a lack of forethought; proactive leadership can help you avoid them.

However, it’s impossible to anticipate every obstacle that your business might face. If you’re the type to focus too much on preparation, you might be unable to adapt when needed. Many type-A planners find flexibility difficult when things take an unexpected turn. In addition, controlling too many variables can discourage your team from taking risks.

On the other hand, at their best, reactive leaders are usually adept at dealing with unforeseen crises. They are practiced in the art of adaptation and can keep a level head in emergencies. They have survived many storms and are confident they will weather many more. They are more secure when thinking outside the box and trying untested new approaches.

The problem with reactive leadership is that if you operate this way all the time, it creates a culture of chaos among your employees. You’ll never have time to plan when constantly dealing with emergencies. This contributes to an environment where everyone is stressed out and on edge, with little time to progress on future goals.

The best leaders use elements of proactive and reactive leadership to their advantage. Take the time to plan things out, but know you can’t anticipate everything. Focus on keeping a cool head in a crisis, controlling what you can, and maintaining a sense of humor about what’s out of your control.

Ultimately, while proactive leadership’s foresight will serve you well in most situations, it’s essential to blend both styles when managing your team. Sometimes, the most we can do is prepare to be surprised.

Are you concerned about developing your leadership style? As a business coach, I’ve helped countless clients focus on being proactive in business. Sign up for my email newsletter to receive my weekly business articles delivered to your inbox and learn more about growing your management skills.

Coach Dave