Leadership Styles … which is best?

Much has been written about the styles of leadership and how they apply in given situations. Five styles of leadership generally are recognized.

• Telling (or ordering) - The leader alone identifies the problem, makes the decisions, and directs the activities. This style appears autocratic and may or may not involve opinions of the group members.
• Persuading (or Selling) - In this style of leadership, the decision has already been made by the leader. Having made the decision, the leader must sell it to the group to get the cooperation.
• Consulting - Group members participate and provide input. The leader may suggest a tentative decision or plan and get the group’s reaction. Having consulted the group, the leader still makes the final decision, usually based on group consensus. If consensus can’t be reached, the group is encouraged to note this and follow the desires of the majority.
• Delegating - The leader identifies the problem, sets certain guidelines, boundaries, or rules, and then turns the situation to be solved over to the group or one of its members. The leader accepts the decision of the group if it is within the boundaries established of the group. While authority may be delegated, the responsibility still remains with the leader.
• Joining - The leader steps down as leader and now joins the group. The leader agree in advance to abide by the entire group decision. It is important to remember that “Joining” the group is still leadership. Before this step, allows consider the resources of the group.

No single leadership style is “best.” Each depends on the situation, experience of the people in the group, and the task at hand. As leadership styles move from Telling to Joining, the person’s authority appear to diminish and the group’s participation increases.

Think back to a Supervisor or Manager you enjoyed working with most and least. What style of leadership did they use. Most everyone who disliked their employers usually had one who employed Telling or Persuading.  It feels like they are in the military, or even if they are asked for input,  it’s irrelevant.  Our favorite leaders are the ones we naturally work twice as hard for without even thinking about it.  This is because they make us feel good about ourselves. These people are the ones with Delegating and Joining Styles.

Remember, selecting the appropriate style of leadership is an act of leadership based on the nature of the situation and the ability and experience of the group members. Leadership is a dynamic process, varying from situation to situation with changes in leaders, followers, goals, and circumstances. For example, I am married, with three young children at home. I feel I use a little of all these style with my family. When it comes to decision of keeping my family’s security, my leadership is “Telling”, no questions asked.  Yet, when it is for recreation I am on the other-side and my style is “Joining”. I want my children’s input and the majorities rule. This way we can have more fun.

SHARE THE HONEY AND COMMENT BELOW