Leadership Styles

“An Introduction”

Leadership has been described as the "process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task."

(Chemers)

How did the Cadette Girl Scout Handbook or A Resource Guide for Senior Girl Scouts define leadership?

Does this definition go along with the Seven Qualities of a Good Leader we talked about in the opening PowerPoint?

This PowerPoint will cover three different leadership styles:

Autocratic Democratic Free Reign

These are not the only leadership styles that exist but they are a good introduction to the concept of

leadership styles.

Autocratic

This style is used when leaders tell their followers what they want done and how they want it accomplished, without getting the advice of their followers. Some of the appropriate conditions to use it is when you have all the information to solve the problem, you are short on time, and your followers are well motivated. (Clark)

Autocratic

When is this style best used?

When is style not appropriate?

Think of an example of someone who uses this style in your life.

Democratic

Democratic

This style involves the leader including one or more followers in the decision making process (determining what to do and how to do it). However, the leader maintains the final decision making authority.

This is normally used when you have part of the information, and your followers have other parts. Note that a leader is not expected to know everything — this is why you have knowledgeable and skillful followers. Using this style is of mutual benefit — it allows them to become part of the team and allows you to make better decisions. (Clark)

What kind of group would this style work best with?

What could be frustrating about working in a democratic style?

Free Reign

Free Reign

In this style, the leader allows the followers to make the decisions. However, the leader is still responsible for the decisions that are made. This is used when followers are able to analyze the situation and determine what needs to be done and how to do it. (Clark)

When does this style work?

When does it turn into chaos?

A good leader uses all three styles, depending on what forces are involved between the followers, the leader, and the situation. It is possible to use all three at once. Here’s an example:

Telling your followers that a procedure is not working correctly and a new one must be established (autocratic). Asking for their ideas and input on creating a new procedure (democratic). Delegating tasks in order to implement the new procedure (Free reign). (Clark)

How are you going to decide which style is right for you?

Which style are you most comfortable facilitating?

Forces that influence the style to be used included:

How much time is available. Are relationships based on respect and trust or on disrespect? Who has the information — you, your follower, or both? How well your employees are trained and how well you know the task. Internal conflicts. Stress levels. Type of task. Is it structured, unstructured, complicated, or simple?

Can you name three people that are examples of good

leadership?

Can you think of someone who is an example of bad leadership?

Why?

References

Chemers, M. M. (2002). Meta-cognitive, social, and emotional intelligence of transformational leadership: Efficacy and Effectiveness. In R. E. Riggio, S. E. Murphy, F. J. Pirozzolo (Eds.), Multiple Intelligences and Leadership. Clark, D. R. (2004), Instructional System Design Concept Map. Retrieved January 25,

2010 from http://nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/ahold/isd.html