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Leadership Styles
Leadership style refers to the approach and method utilized by a leader to convey his or her ideas and administer plans. There are four basic styles of leadership namely; autocratic, bureaucratic, democratic and laissez-faire. Each leader has his or her distinct style of working. |
However, management experts find it difficult to label one particular style as the best towards successful leadership.It is in fact believed by many intellectuals that a blend of ideas is what one needs. A capable leader is one who utilizes different styles as per the demand of the situation.
A leader who employs the autocratic style is known as an authoritarian. Such a style of leadership only believes in orders or one way communication. In this format of working, there is no room for freedom of expression by the team mates. The entire power lies in the hands of the leader. The employees are simply expected to carry out the work assigned without making any queries. In fact some go over the top with this style, eventually resulting in an extremely bossy behavior. It is advisable to make use of this style rarely that too if there is lack of time to meet a deadline.
A bureaucratic leader only goes by the rule book. Procedural implications are mandatory in his or her style of work. This is a police officer in the guise of a leader! This style may be implemented if the organization deals with dangerous equipment that requires secure handling. Otherwise, this methodology does not prove to be very fruitful, as the members of the group also going by the rules only do their bit without making any effort to go a step beyond the normal. Also, owing to the monotony in style, in the long run the employees tend to lose interest.
The democratic or participative style of leadership is not everyone’s cup of tea. Such a leader calls for a personality with extreme self confidence. The work place has a democratic environment wherein the employees are given a platform to put forth their views as well. There is sharing of ideas pertaining to professional or personal fronts. Of course, the final discretion lies with the leader. This style boosts the morale of the employees and leads to high productivity levels.
The fourth style is known as delegative or laissez faire. This style is almost contrary to the autocratic style of leadership. The employees enjoy complete freedom of work. This type of leader puts power and the decision making process in the hands of the employees. The leader hardly provides any input. Such free reign style ought to be implemented only if the leader has complete faith in his or her sub-ordinates.
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