Every leader is different, bringing with them a variety of skills and styles of leading. Is there one style of management that is best? No, especially when you consider that the individual needs of each employee or position are much different. Consider some of the most common leadership styles.

Autocratic style

In this method, there’s top-down management, meaning one person is the decision maker and others follow. It’s focused on “just do what I tell you to do.”

Its advantages:

  • It ensures crucial decisions are made quickly in times of crisis.
  • It’s more efficient when teams are inexperienced.
  • It boosts productivity.

Its disadvantages:

  • There’s no creativity or conversation, which means a lack of idea sharing.
  • There’s less independence among team members and, therefore, employees may be less committed and motivated.

Visionary style

In this method, a leader has an inspiration or a goal and often is able to work closely with others to inspire and encourage them. Their success comes from encouraging people to follow them.

Its advantages include:

  • More encouragement of team members, including in spurring creativity.
  • Supports a more forward-looking and future-driven focus.
  • Builds strong trust and bonds with employees that help to encourage growth.

Its disadvantages include:

  • It is typical that the vision is linked to a person rather than the company itself.
  • It’s possible this method could lead to losing sight of more innovative ideas or creative solutions.

Consultative style

In this style of management, a person has the knowledge and skill to do the job well, and that leader holds the ability to make the final decision. However, they listen and field information and ideas from others, often gathering significant data before making a decision.

Its advantages include:

  • Significant employee engagement, which often leads to employees feeling respected and supported.
  • Can lead to creative solutions and ideas that may not otherwise have been considered.
  • Aids in the decision making because leaders can consider more views and ideas.

Its disadvantages include:

  • Typically requires a lot of leg work, and that means slower decision making.
  • Employees may not always agree, which can create a rift when leaders do not agree with them.

Participative style

In the participative style of leadership, the entire team talks about and makes a decision. This leader will play a role in the decision making and often will create plans and policies for others to follow. Yet, leaders tend to be more hands off when engaging in meetings, allowing employees to make more of the decisions.

Its advantages include:

  • Building strong morale with employees – everyone feels valued.
  • Creates stronger employee engagement and may help to reduce problems.

Its disadvantages include:

  • Can often lead to a lack of decision making or requires a significant amount of research before moving the process forward.
  • May be impacted by social pressures, which means employee insights may not be accurate.

Every situation is different, and sometimes choosing a new style of leadership can foster and support change within the organization. The key is to work to the advantages needed within the company. Reach out to learn more about leadership styles