Question

Not all leaders lead in the same way, and even then a leader may switch leadership styles based on the situation. Identify and describe three different leadership styles Autocratic, Democratic and Transactional Leadership. In addition, for each leadership style give a specific example of a situation in which that style is appropriate and explain why

Answer 1

1. Democratic Leadership: In this leadership style, the leader makes decisions based on the inputs he receives from his employees. Though he takes inputs from them the final call is his own whether to pursue those inputs or provide reasons not to.

2. Autocratic Leadership: This leadership style is opposed to the democratic leadership style. In this style, the leader makes decisions without taking any input from the employees. The leader is usually empowered.

5. Transactional leadership: In this leadership style, the leader believes in rewarding his employees for their achievement. It helps in establishing clear roles and responsibilities and motivating employees to achieve goals.

Example situations:

1. Democratic leadership style is best suited when the organization has diversity and the employees possess different unique skills. They would bring their unique thoughts on the table and the leader can then think of the best strategy or decisions for them. It will help in making sound decisions.

2, Autocratic is best suited when the leader is highly experienced and has impeccable skills. He can then guide the employees and can develop the best strategies and decisions for them. It is helpful in building leadership qualities in the employees.

3. The transactional leadership style is best suited when the organization has or will have to introduce some changes in its process or structure. The leader will be in a better position to encourage and motivate the employees to undergo the changes. He will pull them out of their comfort zone and will help them to conquer the changes.