Believe it or not, there are 15 leadership styles out there. But we’ll be cutting corners and present you with the 3 most common (along with their pros and cons) leadership styles.
As a student, you may have come across one in school or extracurricular activities. It can be through a teacher or a principal. But if you are a leader in your school organizations you might have implemented it even though you’re not aware yet.
In this article we’ll extrapolate the importance of knowing, choosing, and understanding the styles of leadership for your team. Come on board!
What are Leadership Styles?
Leadership styles refers to categorizations of how a person acts while managing groups of people. These styles of leadership are giving an impact on how your team runs. The process. The morale. The steps to reach goals. And many things!
Understanding which styles align with your value and environment can greatly push your team to its full potential.
The commonly known leadership styles were developed by Kurt Lewin and his research friends in 1939. This influential study of leadership distinguishes three main styles; authoritarian, participative, and delegative. Interesting, right?
Is It Important to Have Leadership Style?
A leadership style reduces your peers’ frustration. They know what to expect from you. A framework of how to interact and engage in your organization. Developing a signature style can also enhance your credibility. Plus it supports you to grow as a leader yourself.
How to Decide the Styles?
Okay, this is the big question. But, to simplify, ask yourself. What do you want to inspire in your team? What do you value in a collaboration? How do you want your friends to approach you, with admiration or discipline?
Whether you’re an experienced leader in your school or just recently stepping up into the position, you need to lead yourself to a conclusion of what you want, and how to achieve it.
It’ll be less conflicting if you have a mentor or going through a leadership training program.
Autocratic (Authoritarian) Leadership
Authoritarian leadership is the style of direct instruction and decision making from one person in-charge. Emphasizing on obedience and control.
The leader and the ‘follower’ have distinct distances. This isn’t a place for constructive criticism on both ends, or so it defines.
The characteristics you should possess for this style are confidence and highly structured. It is best used when you’re in an emergency situation and require instant decision.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Quick decision-making 2. Efficiency 3. Clear direction | 1. Less creativity & limited innovation 2. Poor communication 3. Micromanagement |
Democratic (Participative) Leadership
Participative leaders guide and accept two-ways communication. Which allows a close relationship between a leader and the team. Because you exchange opinions and share visions.
As a team under this style, you are more likely to contribute in high quality. Kurt Lewin claims that participative leadership is typically the most effective leadership style.
The end of decision-making is still held by the leader, but your team inputs are valued. Hence participation will make the team belong and committed to the cause of organizations.
This style is suitable for a creative environment which demands flexibility and brainstorming ideas.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Boost morale and motivation 2. Higher level of engagement 3. Strong teamwork and commitment | 1. May not work in rigid environment 2. If not executed properly, can lead to inefficiency and group-think 3. Not suitable in crisis or emergencies |
Laissez-Faire (Delegative) Leadership
These types of leaders perform well in highly qualified team members. They offer less guidance and high accountability. Team members are expected to grow personally.
The downside is it often leads to poorly managed teams, defined roles, and lack of motivation. The decision-making process can take a while because leaders hand the responsibility to group members.
If not done right, it can cause even bigger problems. According to Lewin, laissez-faire leadership results in members who blame each other for mistakes, make less progress, and produce less work.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. Lets leaders prioritize 2. Encourage personal development 3. Creates a relaxed organization environment | 1. Lack leader’s directions 2. Might cause avoidance of accountability 3. Team feels confusion and unsupported |
Leave a Comment