Management Styles

As the work we do evolves, so does the skills and styles of the manager.  We all have our natural style, largely based on our personality style, but also informed by the way we learned to manage.

There are 5 forms of management style - with most frameworks focusing on an autocratic, democratic or laissez-faire approach. In summary: 

• Autocratic/Authoritative.
  Make the decisions. Directs or tells their teams what to do. Leads from the top. Rarely involves or discusses decisions with team - a top down approach.
• Democratic/Participative.  
  Makes the decisions but includes their teams in the decision making process.  Encourages creativity and ideas. Sets goals and enjoys team participation and discussions but makes the final decision. Understands others have great ideas.
• Delegative/Laissez-faire.  
  Believes people know their job and are empowered to make decisions and plan their own work. Delegative leaders support and coach. They see their role as a guide/facilitator but allows their team of experts to find their own solutions and ideas.
• Transformational. 
  Authentic, integrity and trust.  This style focuses on inspiring teams, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and being humble. Transformational leaders inspires and motivates. They set clear visions and empowers their team. 
• Bureaucratic. 
  Bureaucratic leaders follow strict guides, processes and procedures to get the job done.