Every person has a certain impact on others. Some are more confident and influential than other people. Leadership is the ability of an individual to influence the conduct of other persons at some moment. Most people long somebody to define what has to be done and how to implement it. A leader explains the objective of the action, tries to resolve any contradiction among the workers. He has a burning desire to understand the problems other people face. A mutual interaction exists between the leader and his subordinates. A leader connects with his followers with respect and dignity. A good leader encourages the accomplishments his group, ensures sincerity, trust and demonstrates guidance. The leader is a person who motivates, persuades and controls others.
There are different leadership styles (Authoritative, Democratic, and Laissez-faire) that vary with the ways and methods that stimulate leaders to achieve their aims. These styles define how a leader guides his subordinates and cooperates with them. Often, it is a mix of styles with one predominant type. It is of the great importance to develop as many styles of a leadership as possible in order to be effective in the interaction with people. The first step in communication is to opt for the correct style at the exact time.
An authoritative style means a total control in decision making. It is considered to be a visionary style because it moves persons towards a vision when a clear direction is a must. This style has a motto: «Come with me». These leaders are confident, sympathetic, and straight-forward.
Such leaders monitor other people scrupulously and thoroughly. This style is used where authority is really necessary under dangerous conditions. Usually strict and serious companies (construction, manufacturing and military sphere) use this leadership style. The authoritative style dates back to the early empires. It is hard to balance the usage of control with the spirit of the organization.
The democratic style implies consensus the phrase that describes this leader sounds as «What do you think?» Democratic leaders are good at collaboration. They are communicative, resourceful and sociable. Leaders share the process of decision-making among the team. They discuss details at work and consult with each other. All members have a final say and every worker is green-lighted to perform a function of the leader as for decision-making and assuming of responsibilities. People use this type of style in fields such as nursing and medical care, artistic sphere.
The laissez-faire leadership style gives subordinates a possibility of independence and self-rule. Sometimes it happens because a leader is distracted or a lazy-bone and does not directly participate in decision-making. This style is useful when team members are self-organized, intelligent and highly skilled that can result in high job satisfaction and increased productivity. It goes without saying that laissez-faire is less effective than above mentioned types of leadership because there is no positive feedback, and lack of criticism might disrupt motivation too.
Leadership style is a cornerstone of a successful group work. Comprehension of these styles and their influence are necessary for a flexible and hard-working leader. Leadership style depends on the certain circumstances. There are distinct situations to use a proper style of a leader. It is the leader’s background (his personality, morality, education, values, intelligence, and ethics) and the rules of the company. Thus, a right choice of a leader is of the greatest importance for the company as such leader can lead the company to achieve its strategic goals.
References
Different Types of Leadership Styles in Management. (n.d.). Smallbusiness. Retrieved November 3, 2014 from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/5-different-types-leadership-styles-17584.html
Leadership501. (n.d.). Leadership501. Retrieved November 2, 2014 from http://www.leadership501.com/
Leadership Styles: Autocratic Leadership. (n.d.). Leadership-Toolbox. Retrieved November 3, 2014 from http://www.leadership-toolbox.com/autocratic-leadership.html
Leadership Styles. (n.d.). MindTools. Retrieved November 3, 2014 from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_84.htm
