ledership styles
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Introduction
Leadership is a core factor in the running of any business or organization. It helps in
inspiring staffs to accomplish the objectives and mandate of the organization in a manner that is
rational and unified. It should be understood that everything considered old should not be termed
as bad, and everything that is new should be termed as good. A leader must have the skills and
know-how acquired through extensive training and articulate usage of the different types of
leadership styles. Therefore, leaders are not born with leadership qualities, but it is something
nurtured over a lengthy duration.
There are different types of leadership styles currently being applied by different leaders in
various sectors. It is necessary to note that not a single style can be concluded as the best, since all
differ with the team or organization one is leading. There are two theories of leadership which
helps to identify the style a leader is using to lead his team, and include trait theory of leadership
and process theory of leadership.
In this paper, we will discuss the different types of leadership theories and explain when
they are effective plus give different scenario where different types of leadership styles should not
be applied. The leadership styles covered in this paper includes autocratic, bureaucratic, laissez-
faire and democratic.
Autocratic leadership
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In this style of leadership, a leader exercises all the control in decision making and power
in the team or organization, hence the reason to it being referred to as a classical approach. The
leader makes all decisions without consulting any member of his/her organization, which they will
have to follow without questioning. A leader who exercises this style of leadership always wants to
be in control and gauge their success through the tasks they get accomplished. These types of
leaders do not trust their staff but rely heavily on threatening and influencing their staffs. This style
is particularly suitable when leading a team that comprises new and untrained staff. Furthermore, it
is highly effective in staffs that are not responsive to other styles of leadership and also when there
is work that needs to be coordinated across different organizations and departments (Suino, 2012).
However, it should not be used in well trained staff cases, with low morale, or those that
wants to make a contribution in decision making. This is not a bad style of leadership but should
be used with a lot of caution.
Bureaucratic style
A leader who utilizes this style never goes against what is stipulated in the procedures and
policies of the organization or business. Similar to autocratic style, there is no consultation with the
team. Therefore, a bureaucratic leader enforces rules. This style of leadership is remarkably
effective when working with a staff or a team that only perform a specified task routinely. Another
area where this style has proven effective is in the financial department where the sole duty of the
staff is to handle cash. Secondly, it is effective when the staff a leader is dealing with, require
understanding different procedure, which do not, require any alterations.
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However, it is ineffective in a diverse working environment where staffs have the
opportunity of contributing to the wellbeing of the organization. Additionally, this style increases
the chances of employees losing morale in their jobs (Suino, 2012).
Democratic style
Democratic leadership style is decidedly different from autocratic and bureaucratic styles
as it involves the participation of all the team members in the decision making. This style of
leadership commonly referred to as participative leadership style is assumed to be the best. The
leader updates his staffs on matters affecting them in their jobs and asks them to contribute in
decision making (Suino, 2012). However, the leaders hold the final say and power over all the
decisions made. Hence, it is considered as the best leadership style, as it ensures that there is high
quality and quantity of time in the long run. Furthermore, the spirit and morale of the staff is
heightened due to the trust accorded to them by their leaders. However, to enforce a democratic
style of leadership, the team that a leader is working with should be highly trained, experienced
and skilled (Suino, 2012).
It is remarkably effective when the leader wants to keep the staff updated on matters
affecting them and the organization, especially when the matter at hand is of a complex nature and
requires brainstorming from all angles. Additionally, it ensures that staffs nurture their personal
growth and job satisfaction.
However, it should not be deployed if the staff one is working with has no enough
qualification or experience, since there is no room for error. Furthermore, if a leader feels
threatened by the contributions of his staff, this style should be avoided (Suino, 2012).
Laissez-Faire style
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This form of leadership is more liberal, in a way that the leader does not hold all the power
in decision making. The leader gives his staffs the power to make their own decisions and resolve
any matter that is affecting them without any significant indulgence from them. However, this is an
extremely hazardous style if utilized in an appropriate manner (Suino, 2012). Therefore, to enforce
this style a leader should make sure that the staffs are professionals who are highly trained and
experienced. Additionally, if this is not possible, he should make sure that a specialist from the
outside world is consulted. The other factors to consider are dedication and trustworthiness of the
staff.
However, it also has its own demerits since the employees can feel insecure or
uncomfortable with the decision they have made without consulting the manger. Still, managers
dodge their responsibilities and let their work be done by their subordinates, and without gratitude,
the workers morale can be highly affected.
Conclusion
Leadership is a core factor in the smooth running of an organization. No single leadership
style will ensure this. Therefore, it is the obligation of the leader to identify the best leadership
style to utilize it depending on the staff they are leading. As observed, each of this leadership
styles has their merits and demerits depending on where and how they are applied. Therefore, it
would be prudent for any leader not to rely on a single style if they need to be successful leaders.
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References
Suino, P 2012,Leadership in Public Organizations: An Introduction. M.E. Sharpe, New York.