Management Style – Where Do You Work?
Over your career, you are most likely to encounter many kinds of management style, especially across various industries.
The way someone runs their company has a direct effect on you and how you work. There are six widely agreed-upon types of management styles commonly used in today’s business world. Each of these styles has their own strengths and weaknesses, and management can use more than one style, depending on the situation. Let's take a look at how the leaders of your workspace can operate:
Autocratic
Pros: Can lead to faster decision-making, and the right decision being made with a strong leader.
Cons: This manager makes decisions unilaterally, without much (or any) input from subordinates. This style of management can make it very difficult for employees to feel autonomy, or as if they are contributing.
Consultative
Pros: This type of management allows for a bit more discussion than the method above. Decisions attempt to take the best interests of the employees in account but also focus on the business. Often leads to employee loyalty.
Cons: At its essence, is still dictatorial. It can also lead to a dependency of the employees on the leader. Can lead to fast turnover of employees if they feel as though they are not being heard.
Persuasive
Pros: This style uses much more input from subordinates, with the leader ultimately making the final decision. Employees can convince the manager of the detriments or benefits of a decision. A great option for managers to get input, but still make the final say.
Cons: Ineffective if the employees don't support management, choose not to provide input, or don't trust the decisions.
Democratic
Pros: As its name suggests, democratic managers offer employees an opportunity to engage in decision-making, with decisions decided by the majority. Communication goes up and down. This means all decisions are agreed upon by the majority.
Cons: Inefficiency, slowed-down decision-making.
Laissez-faire
Pros: Employees are allowed to make the majority of decisions, with management providing guidance, and considered a mentor, rather than a leader. This style of management is popular in startups and technology companies, where risk taking is encouraged.
Cons: Can lead to difficulties in making decisions.
Management By Walking Around (MBWA)
Pros: This classic technique means management by listening, gathering info by listening to employees, and nipping problems in the bud. When using this type of management style, managers must be counselors and not directors. A good decision will be well received and respected by all.
Cons: When employees do not support management, problems can arise.
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Respect At Work
