Leadership Styles

There are several styles of leadership. Autocratic leaders control subordinates, emphasizing that the leaders are in control. Democratic leaders work with subordinates rather than controlling them. Laissez-faire leaders might be considered nonleaders. Such leaders engage in minimal influence with subordinates.

From the various leaders you have had in the past ten years (e.g., supervisors, managers, coaches, teachers, music directors, etc.), select one who was authoritarian, one who was democratic, and one who was laissez-faire. Begin your post by describing your three leaders in three or four sentences each.

Then,  addressing all items in the bullet point below.

• What did the leaders (i.e., autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire) do differently to influence you? How did they use rewards and punishment differently? How did they exercise their power differently? How did others respond to the leaders’ contrasting use of power? Which exercise of power and influence seemed to be most productive? Based on what evidence?

Finally, complete your post with a brief evaluation of your personal leadership style

• Which style of leadership do you use?
• How do you know that your style is effective?
• What are two specific activities you could use to improve your leadership effectiveness? (Northouse, 2009, pp. 50–51).

Reference:

Northouse, P. G. (2009). Introduction to leadership. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.