Leadership Styles: What Works, What Doesn’t

 

Leadership Styles: What Works, What Doesn’t

In every business, there will always be a need to manage your employees. There are many types of leadership styles, but no single style is best as each has elements that are good and bad. Every organisation is different so your most effective leadership style will depend on how you interpret and execute various types of leadership types. As a business advisor and coach, I can give you some insight into what works and what doesn’t.

Autocratic Leadership

Autocratic or directive leadership is one of the most black and white leadership styles. Autocratic leaders manage employees with an iron fist. Their word is law, their decisions final, and they cannot be swayed. This type of leadership is usually not effective, except in high-pressure situations where clear and firm leadership is needed – for example, during a disciplinary hearing. As a business coach, I’d advise against using this anywhere else.

Democratic Leadership

A democratic leader will include others in their decision-making processes, hear their queries or complaints, and consider their thoughts. These managers give others responsibility which empowers them and encourages growth. Employees of democratic leaders enjoy better job satisfaction, effective conflict resolution and constant innovation. However, in the time of a crisis, democratic leaders can come across as uncertain and indecisive.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

This type of leader is very hands-off. The delegation of work and responsibilities is liberal, and decision-making is often left to employees. This style only works in organisations where employees are working towards the same directive together, and are competent enough to work without supervision. Otherwise, the team might need to be actively led and given clear direction if they don’t have the motivation to work unassisted.

Transformational Leadership

In 2019, this is the method of leadership that I would recommend. Transformational leadership is a combination of the best parts of multiple styles at once. These employers put a significant emphasis on listening to their employees and involving them in decisionmaking but also know when they need direction and when it’s appropriate to put their foot down and take charge.

As a business coach and advisor, I’d advise you to look to see what kind of leadership method is utilised is currently being used if your business is not doing well. Remember that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution here and you can always enlist independent assistance here.

There’s no time like the present to become a transformational leader. If you’re looking for a reliable executive coach in Melbourne, who has a history of achievements Caroline Kennedy is the expert to call. Reach out via email @ [email protected] or call 1300 88 53 94.