Leadership
Leadership styles
| Style | How decisions are made |
|---|---|
| autocratic | the leader decides alone and tells staff |
| democratic | the leader asks staff for ideas first |
| paternalistic | the leader decides in staff's best interests |
| laissez-faire | staff are free to decide for themselves |
- No style is always best — it depends on the task, the staff and the time (a crisis may need autocratic; skilled staff may suit democratic).
Practice
An autocratic leader:
Autocratic leaders decide alone; democratic ask for ideas; laissez-faire give freedom.
Practice
There is one leadership style that is always best in every situation.
The best style depends on the task, the staff and the time available.
Emotional intelligence & change
- Emotional intelligence = understanding and managing your own and others' feelings — builds trust, handles conflict.
- This matters most when leading change: people resist out of fear, so explain why, involve staff, and support them.
Practice
Emotional intelligence helps a leader most when:
Understanding feelings builds trust and eases resistance, which matters most during change.
You've got it
Key idea
- styles: autocratic (alone), democratic (asks), paternalistic (their interests), laissez-faire (free)
- the best style depends on task, staff and time
- emotional intelligence builds trust and helps lead change (which people fear)