LEADERSHIP STYLES.

 Leadership: 

⦁ “Is the art of influencing & inspiring subordinates to perform their duties willingly, competently & enthusiastically for achievement of group objectives.”

⦁ “Is the ability to motivate followers to pursue the goals the leader wishes to achieve.”

⦁ “is an interpersonal relationship in which the leader employs specific behavior and strategies to influence individuals and groups towards setting goals and attaining them in specific situations”.

(Sullivan and Decker 1982: pp181).

LEADERSHIP STYLES.

AUTOCRATIC or DICTATORIAL LEADERSHIP.

This type of leadership is also referred to as authoritarian or dominative leadership. Autocratic leaders keep the decision making authority & control in their own hands and assume full responsibility for all actions. it is the commanding style - “Do as I say, because I am the boss.”

These leaders

⦁ Makes all decisions without seeking much input from individuals

⦁ Structure the entire work situation in their own way & expect the workers to follow their orders and tolerate no deviation from their orders.

The leader believe that his leadership is based upon the authority conferred upon him by some source such as

⦁ Position

⦁ Knowledge

⦁ Strength / the power to punish or reward.

DEMOCRATIC or PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP.

This is the type of leadership where the subordinates are consulted and their feedback is taken into the decision making process.

The leader’s job is to moderate, even though he makes the final decision and he is solely responsible for the results.

The subordinates are encouraged to demonstrate initiative & creativity and take interest in setting plans and policies and have maximum participation in decision making.

This ensures

⦁ Better management-employee relations

⦁ Higher morale

⦁ Greater job satisfaction.

LAISSEZ FAIRE or FREE REIGN LEADERSHIP.

Here leaders are loose and permissive and abstain from leading their staff. They foster freedom for everyone and want everyone to feel good. They are just figure heads and do not give any direction.

The leader lets subordinates plan and organize and develop their own techniques for accomplishing goals. The leader participates very little and instead of leading and directing, he just becomes one of the members.

This type of leadership is highly effective when subordinates are highly intelligent and are fully aware of their roles and responsibilities and have knowledge and the skills to accomplish tasks without direct supervision. 

Now, who is a leader?

Definition of a Leader.

“Is anyone who is able to influence others to pursue certain goals.”