The 5 Leaders You Should Have In Your Kitchen Cabinet

Building a professional network, or “kitchen cabinet,” is no easy feat. It takes time and a carefully curated group of advisors to ensure that you’re advancing in your career and taking the necessary steps to move up in the corporate world. First coined in the 1830s to describe an unofficial advisory group employed by U.S. President Andrew Jackson, “kitchen cabinet” is an apt term because the kitchen, for many of us, is where people gather to share stories, ideas, laughter, worries, and feelings; it’s the beating heart of the household.

The notion of consulting family and trusted friends for unbiased advice has long been a staple in politics and business, and it still remains crucial as it did in the 1800s. The key to building a successful ever-expanding group of advisers lies in a group that can boost your confidence while delivering truths, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. In other words, they are leaders that have the experience and ability to deliver reality checks. But not all leaders are cut from the same cloth. Below, we’ve outlined the types of leaders you should have in your kitchen cabinet so that you can be best equipped to handle or celebrate any challenges, milestones, etc., that come your way.

Transformational Leader 

Within group situations, there tends to be at least one person that takes control, communicating with the group, creating a shared vision, and unity, developing bonds, creating energy, and instilling passion, according to IMD. This person is called the transformational leader because they place emphasis on change, transformation, and strive to inspire others to achieve more than they ever thought possible by tapping into their individual potential. This is the type of leader you’ll definitely want in your kitchen cabinet, especially for those just getting started in their careers. With a big focus on the future, transformational leaders are always the ones that look forward, thinking about what needs to be done in order for you to achieve your goals.

Authoritative Leader 

One of the key characteristics of a successful kitchen cabinet mentor is someone who offers mentorship. And that’s something you can receive from an authoritative leader. These types of leaders are inventive and lead by offering guidance when needed. Authoritative leaders are always motivating those around them by providing clear direction and feedback. This type of leader is a great person to have in your corner, especially during times when you need help making a big career move or occupation advice.

Democratic Leader 

As you develop in your career, the people in your kitchen cabinet may develop as well. However, it’s crucial not to get stuck with only having members with a certain age, rank, or title. The best way to do this is to ensure you have a democratic leader within your cabinet. Like its name, this type of leader takes advice and makes decisions by listening to the voices of multiple people, even if they are less senior in their careers. By adding this type of leader to your kitchen cabinet, you’re ensuring there is someone on your team that wants your opinions to be heard and taken into consideration.

Bureaucratic Leader

While some work best from a hands-off approach, others need a rigid structure to thrive and succeed. If you consider yourself as part of the latter, you’ll want to add a bureaucratic leader to your arsenal. This type of leader favors rules to enact efficiency and encourage a responsible mindset. In some ways, this type is similar to the transformational leader in that they are both goal-oriented, however, their methods to get there diverge. This is the type of leader you’ll want to seek out for your kitchen cabinet to help those around them know their role and stay on track.

Coaching Leader

Last, but certainly not least, the coaching leader is one who collaborates and supports. With this type of leadership in your kitchen cabinet, you’ll be sure to receive ample time and energy. They are willing to invest their efforts into developing you into the individual you want to be and help you get you to a place in your career where you feel fulfilled and successful.

The Inclusive Future content on BlogHer is sponsored by Philip Morris International (PMI). BlogHer has independent editorial responsibility for the content. The views expressed by the authors and contributors may not represent the views of PMI except for those quotes directly attributed to PMI executives.