In offices everywhere, leadership assessments come in all shapes and sizes, personality tests, 360 reviews, strengths finders. But there is one indicator of leadership style we tend to overlook, the morning coffee order. Whether you sip a slow-steamed latte or power through a triple-shot espresso, your coffee choice may reflect more about your leadership habits than you realize. So, grab your favourite mug and let’s see what your drink says about the way you lead.
1. The Latte Leader: Warm, Collaborative, People-First
If you’re a latte lover, you value comfort, connection, and smooth communication. Lattes are approachable, familiar, and balanced just like your leadership style. Latte Leaders are the relationship-builders of the workplace. They check in on their teams, create inclusive environments, and lead with empathy. Their default setting is harmony, and they excel at keeping morale high even during stressful seasons.
Latte Leaders tend to run highly collaborative teams. They encourage open sharing of ideas and create psychological safety, team members feel heard, supported, and part of a collective vision. This doesn’t mean Latte Leaders can’t make big decisions rather, they ensure those decisions consider the human side of impact.
Potential blind spot: Latte Leaders may struggle with saying “no” or enforcing boundaries. Their desire to maintain peace can occasionally come at the cost of efficiency.
2. The Espresso Executive: Fast-Paced, Decisive, Laser-Focused
Three adjectives define espresso drinkers: bold, efficient, uncompromising. Espresso Executives are the leaders who show up early, move quickly, and expect the same from everyone around them. They love clarity, directness, and measurable results. They’re the ones who take a sip, roll up their sleeves, and say, “Let’s get to work.”
This leadership style is powerful in high-stakes environments. Espresso Executives thrive under pressure, make decisions rapidly, and keep teams moving forward with purpose. They enjoy playing high stakes games such as big bass bonanza so they don’t get bogged down in endless meetings or debates they focus on action and execution.
Potential blind spot: Their intensity can overwhelm quieter team members. Espresso Executives benefit from occasionally slowing down to ensure alignment and check on team well-being.
3. The Cold Brew Commander: Strategic, Cool-Headed, Forward-Thinking
Cold brew fans are often big-picture thinkers: modern, innovative, and always a step ahead. Cold Brew Commanders lead with a calm, collected intensity. You won’t find them rattled; they’re steady even when deadlines loom or crises hit unexpectedly. Their leadership style favours long-term planning over short-term reaction.
They’re experimental by nature, often pushing their organizations toward new technologies, new designs, or new ways of thinking. They love efficiency hacks, workflow improvements, and anything that takes their team into the future.
Potential blind spot: Cold Brew Commanders can be so future-focused that they forget to celebrate short-term wins or recognize the emotional needs of the team today.
4. The Cappuccino Captain: Balanced, Creative, and Presentation-Focused
A cappuccino is equal parts espresso, milk, and froth, an artful balance. Cappuccino Captains bring that same blend to leadership. They value aesthetics, messaging, and the craft behind the work. They’re often the creative visionaries of an organization, inspiring teams with big ideas and a polished sense of style.
These leaders excel in roles requiring storytelling, brand building, or communication. They elevate teamwork, encourage innovation, and care deeply about how things feel and look.
Potential blind spot: Their pursuit of “just right” can slow them down. Perfectionism may lead to over-editing or over-polishing when a simpler approach would suffice.
5. The Black Coffee Boss: Practical, Straightforward, Dependable
Black coffee drinkers appreciate simplicity and authenticity. These leaders get things done without drama or unnecessary frills. They value honesty, integrity, and hard work. Their teams know exactly where they stand, Black Coffee Bosses communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and follow through on commitments.
Their leadership style is grounded and disciplined. They show up consistently, manage efficiently, and earn respect through reliability rather than charisma.
Potential blind spot: Their no-nonsense approach may come off as too blunt or rigid. A bit of warmth or creative flexibility can help round out their style.
6. The Mocha Motivator: Energetic, Fun, Team-Spirited
A mocha is part coffee, part dessert, and Mocha Motivators bring that same sense of enthusiasm to their teams. They’re positive, encouraging, and often serve as the culture-builders in their organizations. Under their leadership, work becomes not just productive but enjoyable.
Mocha Motivators love creating memorable moments: themed meetings, team celebrations, personal shoutouts. They bring energy into rooms that need it and remind everyone that success doesn’t have to be serious all the time.
Potential blind spot: Because they value positivity, they may avoid conflict or tough conversations. They shine brightest when they balance optimism with honest, timely feedback.
7. The Matcha Manager: Mindful, Holistic, and Intentional
Okay, matcha isn’t technically coffee, but it’s a mainstay of modern workplaces, and matcha drinkers have a distinct leadership style. Matcha Managers lead with intention. They value sustainability, mindfulness, and culture. These leaders focus on the entire ecosystem of work productivity, yes, but also wellness, team development, and organizational impact.
They excel at designing thoughtful processes and fostering environments where people can do their best work.
Potential blind spot: Their reflective nature may cause them to overanalyse before acting. They thrive when paired with execution-oriented partners.
The Brewed-Together Reality
While this article is playful, there’s a real insight underneath, leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Strength comes from knowing your natural tendencies and recognising when a different blend is needed. Sometimes a Latte Leader needs the focus of an Espresso Executive. Sometimes an Espresso Executive needs the empathy of a Latte Leader.
Your coffee order doesn’t define you, but it can illuminate the flavours of your leadership style. So, the next time you place your morning order, take a moment: are you fuelling your strengths or getting a taste of the leader you want to become? One thing’s certain, leadership, like coffee, is best enjoyed thoughtfully.
Also Read – Best Strategies for Leaders to Build Lasting Influence
