(Optional) Identify the benefits and limitations of leadership styles.

Identification should consider the effects on business and on the employer-employee relationship of leadership styles, such as

autocratic—characterized by giving clear and precise directions as to what is to be done; employees do not make decisions
democratic—characterized by encouraging workers to share their ideas and allowing them to make some of the decisions
laissez-faire —characterized by giving little or no direction to the employees
situational—characterized by selecting a style that fits the circumstances of the moment
servant leadership—characterized by empowering and developing people first; they show humility and are authentic stewards who work for the good of the whole
parental—characterized by a dominant leader behaving in a paternal or maternal manner toward workers who are treated as members of a family.

Identification should reflect the most appropriate management style for

resolving conflict between co-workers, with other managers, with customers, and with vendors
making decisions
setting goals
creating a healthy work environment
navigating the political environment of the workplace.

Process/Skill Questions:

Why is it helpful to identify leadership styles?
What practices might be important to create in response to each leadership style?
What affects an individual’s tendency to develop one leadership style over another?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of different leadership styles?
Why might a leader choose to adopt a leadership style that may be different from their natural tendencies?
What leadership styles are reflected in the design and delivery of an SBE?

Teacher Resource: