EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP STYLES THAT NO ONE WILL EVER TELL YOU

                                               SOME GREAT LEADERSHIP STYLES

There are some leadership styles which can help a leader depending on the time which one is used. But most of the time leaders turn to use one style too much to the advantage or disadvantage of the group or organization. Below are some of the styles.

AUTOCRATIC LEADERSHIP:  In this style of leadership, the leader stands above the group and tells members what to do. The members are only to receive orders but they have no right to say a thing or suggest. Theirs is only to obey. The work here can be done quickly, but only as the leader wishes and thinks it good. This style limits creativity, ideas and development of members. The needs of members are not seen and there is no freedom of speech. Can you think about any community where such a style is applied in? Is the infrastructure of this place up to date?

PATERNALISM STYLE: Here the leader talks with the members, receives their ideas but says the last word and takes decisions. She/he is like the big mama/ big papa who know everything best. Members tend to look up to him or her, and in his or her absence, this group cannot do anything. There is no development of the group or organization and freedom of the people is in the hands of an individual who is often worshiped and looked upon as a god. If this style is applied to a country, people are bound to suffer as decisions are usually made late.

LAISSEZ-FAIRE STYLE: In this style, the leader stands outside the group, gives no suggestions, allows members to work by themselves and answers a question only when asked. It may be the leader is not interested in the group or she/he maybe insecure or doubtful. The members have all the freedom but no guidance, so they get frustrated. Work under this type of leadership takes long to be completed.

DEMOCRATIC STYLE: The leader here stands in the group. The relationship goes from leader to members and back to the leader; the members also interact among themselves. All members are equal and have the right to express themselves and develop. Decisions are made together, taking into consideration the needs of everyone. A task is quickly realized with the efforts of all in the agree way. This style of leadership is the highest.

  Styles of leadership may change, but each leader always has to check his/her style of leadership to see if there is anything that needs to be changed for the good of the group or organization. The various styles of leadership that you have seen here can useful and be very good at different times and in different situations. So as a leader, you must be able to know when to be democratic, laissez-faire, paternalistic or autocratic. Avoid being an extremist in any of the above styles of leadership.