Being in charge of other people can seem like an intimidating task to take on, but it’s important that you have a management style that works best for you and your company. There are many different management styles that all depend on different things like the personality of the manager and the environment they work in; however, there are also several things that all managers have in common, and these are what you should strive to achieve when designing your own management style.
Autocratic – The Lone Leader
Autocratic leadership is a style in which leaders make decisions without seeking input from subordinates or others. This can be beneficial if, for example, a leader needs to make an urgent decision quickly to avoid disaster. Autocratic leadership can also help promote efficiency within an organization. The potential downside of autocratic leadership is that when people feel their opinions are ignored or overlooked, they may stop caring about their work and lose motivation.
Democratic – A Team Effort
Everyone at your company has a say in how things are done. Although there is no single vision for where things should go, your team members have a solid understanding of their expectations. If you’re looking to keep everyone engaged and on track, democratic leadership is an effective way to do so.
Laissez-Faire – Hands Off
When leaders have a laissez-faire management style, they allow their employees to manage themselves. This management style is often seen as less controlling and is considered good practice in highly autonomous jobs, such as IT specialists or executives. In these cases, it’s common for managers to provide general guidelines but not specific instructions or direct employees on every detail of what they should be doing. As a result, these kinds of leaders tend to trust their employees with autonomy and control over their work.
Hierarchical – Clear Chain of Command
This type of management works best for seasoned and comfortable employees with a specific set of procedures and processes. Think military—there’s a strict hierarchy, an established chain of command, and clearly defined roles. Employees know exactly what they should be doing; they also have someone to report to if they run into trouble or questions (their superior). The problem with hierarchies is that they tend to move slowly.
Informal – Flexibility for all team members
This management style is suited for employees who need flexibility. Some of your employees may have family commitments, and others may be freelancers with flexible schedules. For instance, you can leave work a few hours early to pick up your child from school if you want; in exchange, you will have to work extra hours during crunch time when deadlines are looming. This style is most appropriate for creative professionals such as writers or designers.
Which is your style?
Management style is subjective. That said, some styles of management appear to be more effective than others. If you are trying to decide what type of management style would be best for your company, you can enroll for management courses with LBTC and get clarity on what works the best for you and your company.
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