Muna wa Wanjiru asked:
Leadership style is an approach of giving direction, motivating people and implementing plans. As there are many leaders, there are different leadership styles. A good leader uses the right leadership style according to the situation. Whatever may be the situation, bad leaders tend to use only one style. Following are the different relationship styles
Authoritarian Leadership Style; Here the leader informs the employees that what they should do and how should they accomplish the task. Here the leader does not take the advice of the employees while giving orders. You can use this strategy when you know exactly how to solve the problem. You can also use this strategy when you have less time to complete the tasks and the employees are motivated. Some leaders think that shouting at employees, using abusive and threatening language is authoritarian style. This is totally wrong. Yelling at the employees is an unprofessional and abusive style and is often referred to as bossing people around. This kind of style has no place in a friendly working environment. Authoritarian style should not be used frequently. It should be used on exceptional or uncommon occasions.
Participative Leadership Style; Here leader and one or two employees are involved in decision-making process.
Decision making process includes how to accomplish a given task. People think if a company is using this style then it is an indication of weakness. On the contrary using this style is an indication of strength. This style is used when you (leader) have incomplete information and the employees have accurate and complete information. That is why companies using this style employ highly skilled and knowledgeable employees. If you as a leader use this style then you will be able to make faster and better decision.
Delegative Leadership Style; Here the employees are free to their own decisions. That is the leader gives permission to the employees to take their own decisions. Leader is held responsible if the employee makes any wrong decisions. This style is used in companies where employees are highly knowledgeable and have the confidence to take correct decisions. The employees should also know how to handle a particular task, what strategies should be used to accomplish a particular task. You should not use this style to blame others when the employees take wrong decision or analyze a situation incorrectly. This style should be used when you have full confidence and trust in your employees. You (leader) should use this style wisely. Do not be scared to use it.
Bureaucratic Leadership Style; Here the leaders work by taking the help of a book. The book contains all the rules and regulations that must be followed by an employee working in a company. This style is appropriate and you (leader) should use this style if the employee work involves serious safety risks. If the employee is working with toxic substances or with machinery then are rules that must be followed by the employee.
Charismatic Leadership Style; Here the leader tries to inject doses of enthusiasm into the employees in order to increase their performance level. The leader using charismatic style should be energetic and enthusiastic.