The style approach focuses on what leaders do and how they act rather than who leaders are. It identified two main types of behaviors of effective leadership: task-oriented behaviors and relationship-oriented behaviors. The focus of the style approach is how leaders combine these two types of behaviors.

Several studies contributed to the development of the style approach:  The Ohio State University Study, The University of Michigan Study and Blake and Mouton's Leadership Grid.

The style approach has several strengths and weaknesses. However, it provides a valuable framework for assessing leadership in a broad way.