LEADERSHIP

STYLES
 What is a Leader?
• A leader is someone who has the ability to
lead others to accomplish a goal(s).
 A true leader’s GOAL!
– to motivate others to accomplish work/task and to
feel that they are contributing to their own
professionalism.
• 4 Leadership Styles:
– Paternalistic (father like)
– Laissez-faire (delegative
– let them do it)

– Autocratic
(authoritarian)
– Democratic
(participative)
 Leadership Styles
• Paternalistic
– Leader acts as a “father figure”
– May consult and listen to
members but will not allow
them to make decisions.
– Do what they think is best for
the workers.
– Believes in the need to support
staff .
– Not a democratic approach,
rather more autocratic as there Applicable when
is no true participation in workers are young
decision-making. and inexperienced.
• Laissez-faire or Delegative
– Leader allows employees to
make the decisions.
– Leadership responsibilities are
shared by all.
– Relies on good team work
– Relies on good interpersonal
relations
Can make coordination and
Can be highly motivational, as decision making time
people have control over their consuming and lacking in
working life. overall direction
Applicable for research Leader has little control. Team
institutions or when managers has little direction and lack of
are too busy to intervene. feedback demotivates.
 • Autocratic
– Leader takes all
decisions
(authoritarian)
– Tells employees
what they want to
be done and how
to do it (without
getting the advice
from others).
Applicable if you don’t have – Supervises
workers closely.
much time to discuss as
immediate actions are – Gives little
information to
needed. (time of crisis,
staff.
emergency situations)
Applicable for new and
inexperienced employees.
• Democratic
– Leader involves some
workers in the decision
making process (to determine
what to do and how to do it).
– Allows two-way
communication—everyone
feels that they have
participated and contributed.
– Encourages participation,
delegates wisely, values
group discussion.

Can be used in situations that

require a new way of thinking
where staff input can be very
valuable.
Applicable for experienced and
flexible workers.
Which style then is the
BEST???
Factors that may influence leadership style:

• the training and experience of the workers

• the attitude of managers or management
culture
• the importance of the issues/tasks under
consideration
• the amount of time available for consultation
and participation
 SUMMARY
• Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing
direction, implementing plans, and motivating people.
• Leaders vary their styles depending on different factors.

• Positive Leaders use rewards (independence, recognition) to

motivate employees.

• Negative Leaders use penalties with employees. These

leaders act domineering and superior with people. Negative
penalties include: days off without pay, reprimanding in
front of others, assigning unpleasant job tasks.
Your turn!
 What to do?
• In a count of 10, break into 4 groups.
• Each group must have 5 members coming from different rows.
• Four scenarios of different leadership styles will be given to
each group.
• From the given scenario, determine what style is being used.
• Discuss if it is correct for the situation or if a different style
would work better.
• Answers required: a) Style used b) The appropriate style
c) Reason for the choice
• You have 5 minutes to discuss with your group and 5 minutes
to present your answers.
 Scenario A

A business major guy is leading a team

of research scientists working on new
ways to use plastic. Although they
discuss the merits of each ideal and
project, he retains the final decision
making authority.
 Scenario B

A new supervisor has just been put in

charge of the production line. He
immediately starts by telling the crew
what changes need to be made. When
some suggestions are made, he tells
them he does not have time to consider
their suggestions.
 Scenario C

An inspection line has no supervisor.

They are expected to have the correct
staffing, procedures and expertise on
each shift to ensure no defective parts
gets pass them.
 Scenario D

A squad leader is just assigned

overseas. She immediately calls her
squad together for a meeting and asks
for their ideas and input on an
upcoming field training exercise.