An organization can influence leaders to adopt different leadership styles. Some of the common leadership styles include autocratic, bureaucratic, charismatic, consultative/inclusive/participative, laissez-faire, and transactional leadership styles. The directive leadership style gives the leaders absolute power over the followers where the follower’s impacts in decision-making are absent or minimal. Therefore, decisions are made faster with no consultations. An autocratic leader becomes more effective when quick influencing is needed like during a crisis.
The bureaucratic leadership style adheres to rigorous regulatory framework compliance. It requires that followers adhere strictly to set regulations and procedures with acute precision and, therefore, it is appropriate where seriousness in risk management is required and where routine tasks are upheld. The charismatic leadership style invokes expectations between leaders and followers. As such, leaders who adopt this style inspire followers’ enthusiasm and willingness to achieve set goals and move forward. However, the charismatic leadership style overemphasizes the role and confidence of the leader relative to the followers.
The consultative/inclusive leadership style approach includes techniques in decision-making processes where the inputs of the followers are highly regarded. Creativity among the followers is vital, especially in projects and decisions. The leadership style augments output due to improvement in employees’ job satisfaction and involvement. However, the leadership style may hinder the speed of decision-making, especially during crises.
The laissez-Faire leadership style allows followers to make decisions independently and work on their own with minimal or no supervision. Advice and resources are provided to the employees with the expectation that the employees will work effectively, especially when the managers have no control over the employees. The transactional leadership style requires that followers/employees accept their tasks/jobs on the conditions that they follow the leader. Rewards and penalties are awarded to the followers depending on the level or lack of compliance and adherence to leaders’ guidance.