This article appeared on the Business Class blog of American Express.
Autocratic style
This is defined by the motto: "Do as I say." An autocratic leader often has a strong ego; they believe they know everything best and do not let other people comment on their leadership too much.
Advantages: The manager is goal-oriented and capable of leading people who cannot work on their own.
Disadvantages: Unused potential of individual employees.
Authoritative style
Motto: "Follow me." The leader behaves like a visionary; they are very confident and capable of leading their employees firmly; they can paint a picture of success and make their team enthusiastic.
Advantages: Ability to enthuse the team and offer them a vision.
Disadvantages: Inclination towards micro-management, unwillingness to give up their own opinions and visions.
Role model
Motto: "Do as I do." This manager knows the everyday work of team members. They know how to perform these tasks and show others how it is done. The manager is more team member than team manager.
Advantages: Knowing the deal and usually also a good relationship with team members.
Disadvantages: Unwillingness to delegate work and little time for strategic planning.
Democratic style
Motto: "What do you think?" A democratic manager often lets team members decide. Problems are discussed and the manager delegates a lot of responsibility and decision-making to team members.
Advantages: Empowered employees who do not feel left out.
Disadvantages: Unclear vision, unclear goals, less certainty.
Complete freedom
Motto: "Everybody do what you can." This is the opposite of the autocratic style. This leadership form gives maximum freedom to team members, while the manager becomes a sort of supervisor who does not interfere with the work of team members too much.
Advantages: Freedom of employees, their independence, no micro-management.
Disadvantages: Lack of team spirit. Some employees need managing in order to give their best performance because they are unable to work independently.
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