Leadership Styles

 

(Martinuzzi, 2019)

When you work within an organization you have to use an effective leadership style in order to manage your team and it is very important to understand the leadership style you are using, in order to manage the team.

Leadership styles are on a continuum, ranging from autocratic at one end, to laissez-faire at the other, with a variety of styles in between.

The seven primary leadership styles are:

01.               Autocratic Style

The phrase most illustrative of an autocratic leadership style is "Do as I say." Generally, an autocratic leader believes that he or she is the smartest person at the table and knows more than others. They make all the decisions with little input from team members. This command-and-control approach is typical of leadership styles of the past, but it doesn't hold much water with today's talent.

02.                Authoritative Style

The phrase most indicative of this style of leadership (also known as "visionary") is "Follow me." The authoritative leadership style is the mark of confident leaders who map the way and set expectations, while engaging and energizing followers along the way. Unlike autocratic leaders, authoritative leaders take the time to explain their thinking: They don't just issue orders. Most of all, they allow people choice and latitude on how to achieve common goals. (Swampy, 2014, pp. 75-76)

03.               Pacesetting Style

"Do as I do!" is the phrase most indicative of leaders who utilize the pacesetting style. This style describes a very driven leader who sets the pace as in racing. Pacesetters set the bar high and push their team members to run hard and fast to the finish line. While the pacesetter style of leadership is effective in getting things done and driving for results, it's stressful for the employees.

04.               Democratic Style

Democratic leaders are more likely to ask "What do you think?" They share information with employees about anything that affects their work responsibilities. They also seek employees' opinions before approving a final decision. It can engender trust and promote team spirit and cooperation from employees are some of advantages of this style. It allows for creativity and helps employees grow and develop. A democratic leadership style gets people to do what you want to be done but in a way that they want to do it. (Martinuzzi, 2019, pp. 105-102)

05.               Coaching Style

When you having a coaching leadership style, you tend to have a "Consider this" approach. A leader who coaches views people as a developed. The leader who uses a coach approach seeks to unlock people's potential. Leaders who use a coaching style open their hearts and doors for people. They believe that everyone has power within themselves.

06.               Affiliative Style

A phrase often used to describe this type of leadership is "People come first." Of all the leadership styles, the affiliative leadership approach is one where the leader gets up close and personal with people. A leader practicing this style pays attention to and supports the emotional needs of team members. The leader strives to open up a pipeline that connects him or her to the team.

07.               Laissez-Faire Style

The laissez-faire leadership style is at the opposite end of the autocratic style. Of all the leadership styles, this one involves the least amount of oversight. You could say that the autocratic style leader stands as firm as a rock on issues, while the laissez-faire leader lets people swim with the current. This style can work if you're leading highly skilled, experienced employees who are self-starters and motivated. To be most effective with this style, monitor team performance and provide regular feedback. ( Dulewicz, 2005)

Reference 

Dulewicz, V. (2005). Assessing leadership styles and organisational context. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 20(2), 105-123. Retrieved 11 15, 2020, from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/02683940510579759/full/html?journalCode=jmp

Martinuzzi, B. (2019, Octomber 17). Leadership. Retrieved 11 15, 2020, from American Express: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/trends-and-insights/articles/the-7-most-common-leadership-styles-and-how-to-find-your-own/

Swampy, D. R. (2014). Leadership styles. Bangalore: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, JSS Academy of Technical Education. Retrieved 11 15, 2020, from https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/51993044/leadership_styles.pdf?1488433456=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DLeadership_styles.pdf&Expires=1605437853&Signature=VQpYvKHeDLq-FqkqSG6SmGYwGqfNuOTN25IO5AIYLXKYTWdGZO6lrTWcVYmajo7mPp-CV67Cd