1. Teambuilding and Leadership Unit
4 Styles of Leadership
Teambuilding and Leadership Unit

2. Autocratic
Definition: One who gives direct, clear, and precise orders with detailed instructions as to what, when and how work is done
Characteristics: Employees don’t make decisions about the work; discourages employees from thinking, employees may become bored
Is Effective: In emergency situations and with temporary employees

3. Democratic
Definition: One who encourages workers to share in making decisions about their work and work related problems
Characteristics: Managers communicate openly with employees and provide workers with help and encourage employees to participate in decision making
Is Effective: In situations where employees look for more responsibility and with experienced, well-trained workers

4. Free-Rein (Laissiez-Faire)
Definition: One who gives little or no direction to employees
Characteristics: Methods, details, and decisions are left to individual, employee becomes the leader, employees concentrate on specific tasks and are not involved in tasks of others
Is Effective: With experienced workers and in businesses where employees have their own specialized job or where people work in many locations/travel or from home

5. Situational
Definition: One who understands employees and job requirements and matches his/her actions and decisions to the circumstances
Characteristics: Employer must know all employees well and be skilled in selecting and using the most appropriate management style for each employee
Is Effective: In all situations. This is the best type.