Leadership Styles "All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common; it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership." - John Kenneth Galbraith Economist

Authoritarian/Dictatorship: 100 % task / goal oriented (ie. get the job done at all costs) The leader identifies the task at hand and the problem(s) to be solved, personally considers the solutions, personally chooses the solution, and dictates to the rest of the group how it will be achieved. In an authoritarian society, a great deal of activity is invested in reinforcing the power position that the authoritarian leader has assumed.

The "authoritarian" or "autocratic" leader is a boss who rules absolutely. You tell the group what to do and how it will be accomplished. You do not ask for ideas / opinions / input. You are in charge and dictates all actions to be taken and completed.

Democratic: The "democratic" leader encourages the members of his or her group to discuss matters in an environment that stresses sharing ideas and respecting opinions. 50 % task oriented, 50 % people oriented (ie. getting the task done is important, but not at all costs) In terms of decision-making, votes are taken when consensus cannot be reached through discussion. Value is placed upon the opinions of others and the rights of individuals to disagree.

You ask all individuals for their input. You suggest ideas which may or may not be accepted. You seek to reach consensus amongst the group. You try to keep people on topic.

Laissez-Faire: 100 % unconcerned about the group or the task (ie. what happens, happens) The leader is not concerned about completing the task at hand, and does not seek to satisfy individual or group needs. The "laissez-faire" leader basically "leaves alone" the task of making decisions for the group, believing instead that the group is best qualified to make decisions for itself.

You withdraw / appear uninterested. You are unresponsive “I don’t care.” attitude.