The 5 Different Leadership Styles - Which One Are You?

Autocratic Leadership 

Autocratic leadership style is also known as an authoritarian leadership style. Usually, it is characterized by personal or individual control over all the decisions and very minimal input among the members of the group. Generally, autocratic leaders tend to make choices based on their judgements and ideas, and they rarely accept any advice from the members of the group ( Frankel, 2019) . This type of leadership helps the leader to make decisions quickly, especially in situations that require them. It is most appropriate, especially where directive leadership is needed. However, this type of leadership highly discourages the input of the other group members. In return, that could lead to low morale and resentment. Also, the members of the group may feel blocked from being creative and exercising their expertise maximally. 

Democratic Leadership 

Democratic leadership style is also known as participative leadership. Basically, every member of the group, including those who may be regarded as unequal in the hierarchical chain are allowed to share power in making decisions. Generally, Democratic leaders are pro collaboration and enable group members to air their ideas freely. Democratic leaders are responsible for selecting the members of a committee who are responsible for making decisions ( Frankel, 2019 . In this type of leadership style, responsibility is shared among all the members of the group and the leader has the duty of offering direction and guidance as well as keeps discussions controlled and balanced. One advantage of this leadership style is, it instils mutual respect among all the members involved and in return, they are making open and candid conversations. 

Laissez-faire 

Laissez-faire leadership style is also known as delegate leadership. Leaders who practise this leadership style are hands-off, and they usually allow the members of the group to make decisions. According to researchers, this leadership style results in low productivity. This leadership style has its weaknesses and benefits. There are situations and settings that laisez faire is the most appropriate style of leadership ( Frankel, 2019 . The leaders offer very little guidance and expect the members of the group to make decisions for themselves. Also, the members of the group have complete freedom as they are allowed to make decisions. On the other hand, the leader will offer the resources and tools required by the team members. All power is usually given to the followers; however, should anything go wrong, the leaders take responsibility. 

Impact on Social Learning Theory 

In social learning theory, it states that children will learn to exhibit aggressive behaviours since they have observed others do so. It is after a close observation that they start acting aggressively over time. Therefore, social learning theories show the importance of social context and suggest that people can quickly learn from simply observing the behaviour of other people’s actions. Thus, picking either positive or negative traits. This is the same in the work environment ( Rawat, 2019) . Members of a team can easily observe the behaviour of their leaders and start exhibiting the same practices. Thus, the need for leaders to always behave and act appropriately since their followers are continually following and observing their actions. 

Personal Leadership Style. 

My leadership style is democratic. In a healthcare setting, there are critical decisions to be made, thus the need for participation from different people. It is imperative to understand the context of a situation before deciding on which leadership style to embark on. This type of leadership style helps to make sound decisions since it has many voices involved. This overall participation of employees will help to boost the morale of employees. Since healthcare is concerned about quality wellbeing of patients, democratic leadership style will result in high quality of care. 

References 

Frankel, A., & PGCMS, R. (2019). What leadership styles should senior nurses develop?.  Hospital ,  6 , 08. 

Rawat, P. S., Rawat, S. K., Sheikh, A., & Kotwal, A. (2019). Women Organization Commitment: Role of the Second Career & Their Leadership Styles.  Indian Journal of Industrial Relations ,  54 (3).