Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people. The three major styles of leadership are
- Authoritarian or autocratic
- Participative or democratic
- Delegative or Free Reign
Authoritarian [I want both of you to. . .]
This style is used when leaders tell their employees what they want done and how they want it accomplished, without getting the advice of their followers. Some of the appropriate conditions to use it is when you have all the information to solve the problem, you are short on time, and your employees are well motivated. Participative [Let's work together to solve this. . .]
This style involves the leader including one or more employees in the decision making process (determining what to do and how to do it). However, the leader maintains the final decision making authority. This is normally used when you have part of the information, and your employees have other parts. Note that a leader is not expected to know everything — this is why you employ knowledgeable and skillful employees.
Delegative [You two take care of the problem while I go. . .]
In this style, the leader allows the employees to make the decisions. However, the leader is still responsible for the decisions that are made. This is used when employees are able to analyze the situation and determine what needs to be done and how to do it. You cannot do everything! You must set priorities and delegate certain tasks.
