Leadership Styles

LEADERSHIP

Definition

Leadership is defined as influence, the art or process of influencing people so that they will strive willingly and enthusiastically toward the achievement of group goals.

            Leaders act to help a group attain objectives through the maximum application of its capabilities.

            Leaders must instill values – whether it be concern for quality, honesty and calculated risk taking or for employees and customers.

Importance of Leadership

Aid to authority

Motive power to group efforts

Basis for co operation

Integration of Formal and Informal Organization.

LEADERSHIP STYLES

The leadership style we will discuss here are:

            Autocratic style

            Democratic Style

            Laissez Faire Style

a) Autocratic style

Manager retains as much power and decision-making authority as possible. The manager does not consult employees, nor are they allowed to give any input. Employees are expected to obey orders without receiving any explanations. The motivation environment is produced by creating a structured set of rewards and punishments.

Autocratic leadership is a classical leadership style with the following characteristics:

            Manager seeks to make as many decisions as possible

            Manager seeks to have the most authority and control in decision making

            Manager seeks to retain responsibility rather than utilize complete delegation

            Consultation with other colleagues in minimal and decision making becomes a solitary process

            Managers are less concerned with investing their own leadership development, and prefer to simply work on the task at hand.

Advantages

Reduced stress due to increased control

A more productive group ‘while the leader is watching’ Improved logistics of operations

Faster decision making

Disadvantages

Short-termistic approach to management.

Manager perceived as having poor leadership skills Increased workload for the manager

People dislike being ordered around

Teams become dependent upon their leader

b) Democratic Style

Democratic Leadership is the leadership style that promotes the sharing of responsibility, the exercise of delegation and continual consultation.

The style has the following characteristics:

            Manager seeks consultation on all major issues and decisions.

            Manager effectively delegate tasks to subordinates and give them full control and responsibility for those tasks.

            Manager welcomes feedback on the results of intiatives and the work environment.

            Manager encourages others to become leaders and be involved in leadership development.

Advantages

Positive work environment

Successful initiatives

Creative thinking

Reduction of friction and office politics Reduced employee turnover

Disadvantages

Takes long time to take decisions Danger of pseudo participation

Like the other styles, the democratic style is not always appropriate. It is most successful when used with highly skilled or experienced employees or when implementing operational changes or resolving individual or group problems.

c) Laissez-Faire Style

This French phrase means “leave it be” and is used to describe a leader who leaves his/her colleagues to get on with their work. The style is largely a "hands off" view that tends to minimize the amount of direction and face time required.

Advantages

            No work for the leader

            Frustration may force others into leadership roles

            Allows the visionary worker the opportunity to do what they want, free from interference

            Empowers the group

Disadvantages

It makes employees feel insecure at the unavailability of a manager.

The manager cannot provide regular feedback to let employees know how well they are doing.

Managers are unable to thank employees for their good work.

The manager doesn’t understand his or her responsibilities and is hoping the employees can cover for him or her.