Leadership Style Quiz

Also known as authoritarian leadership, is a style characterized by individual control over all decisions with little input from group members. The leader is often seen as controlling, demanding, hard-driving and over powering. Some of the primary characteristics of autocratic leadership include: • Little or no collaboration with group members • Group members usually not trusted with important decisions or important tasks • Critical thinking from group members strongly discouraged • Rules are emphasized to keep people in line Like other leadership styles, the autocratic style has both advantages and some disadvantages. Advantages of Autocratic Leadership • Decision making accomplished quickly and efficiently • Works very well in times of volatility and complexity • Strong Clarity on what needs to be done Disadvantages of Autocratic Leadership • The style can come off as controlling and result in resentment among group members • Lack of group consultation can lead to the loss of creative solutions which undermines group performance • It relies on positional power as oppose to personal influence • This type of leadership values results over people Famous Autocratic Leaders: • Martha Stewart • Bill Gates • King Henry VIII • Andrew Jackson • Alexander the Great

Also known as a collaborative leadership in which group members are more participative in the decision-making process. This type of leadership is applicable across the spectrum of many businesses and organizations. Even though this leadership style allows for a free flow of ideas, it is not chaotic. The leader is still there to facilitate the group contributions and how decisions are made. Some of the primary characteristics of democratic leadership include: • Encourages and respects diverse opinions leading to optimal results • Establishes personal ownership resulting in increased engagement and commitment from the team • Promotes a creative environment • Builds interdependence through a common stake in the organization’s mission Like other leadership styles, the democratic style has both advantages and some disadvantages. Advantages of Democratic Leadership • Higher productivity, increased morale and better contributions from group members • Both results and people are valued • Strong teams are built and leadership multiplies Disadvantages of Democratic Leadership • Over emphasis on people versus results can lead to “country club” management • Decision making process can take longer and result in incomplete or delayed projects • Relying on consensus of team members who may lack expertise or the ability to make credible decisions Famous Demoocratic Leaders: • Abraham Lincoln • John Wooden • Colleen Barrett • Mahatma Gandhi • Tom Hanks How Can Democratic Leaders Thrive? If this tends to be your dominant leadership style, consider the following: • Be organized. Having good processes and procedures make the democratic leadership style effective. • Communicate clearly. Timely accuracy is an important aspect of democratic leadership style. • Be ready to commit. Be efficient in processing team input. Set deadlines and avoid procrastination. • Affirm but do not apologize. All solutions are heard and ideas considered even if they are not embraced. Never be apologetic of the final decision.

A type of leadership style in which leaders do not micro-manage and allow group members to make the decisions. The short version of delegative leadership: Do what you want as long as you get the job done right. The leader is often seen as trusting and empowering. Some of the primary characteristics of delegative leadership include: • Group members are expected to solve issues on their own • Freedom is given to employees to make decisions within certain guidelines • Tools and resources are provided to team members, when needed • Power is handed over to team members, yet leaders still take responsibility for the outcomes Like other leadership styles, the delegative leadership style has both advantages and some disadvantages. Advantages: • Often energizes employees and creates a sense of responsibility • Encourages feedback and constructive ideas • May help with succession planning or continuity • Conveys a message to team members that they are valued Disadvantages: • Lack of definition and clarity of role awareness for the team • Could lead to passivity or avoidance of leadership • Absence of accountability can lead to negative outcomes • Deterioration of cohesiveness due to poor communication within the group Famous Delegative Leaders: • Steve Jobs • Warren Buffet • Queen Victoria • Ronald Reagan • Angelina Jolie How Can Delegative Leaders Thrive? If this tends to be your dominant leadership style, consider the following: • Hire great people. Team members who are highly motivated, skilled, creative and dedicated to their job will help produce optimal results. • Implement frequent and consistent follow-up. Provide feedback loops to ensure people are on the same page. • Loose structure is not the same as the absence of structure. There will be times when more oversight and direction are required. Know the balance!