Leadership styles

Approximate reading time: 1m 36s

Democratic leadership style vs. authoritarian leadership style

While early managers relied on authority and forceful measures, modern leaders rely on a personal example and principles to drive and motivate their employees.

They help themselves and those around them to do the right things. They plan the success of the team and the organization, set directions, build inspirational vision, etc.

Unfortunately, when people hear the words "business", "management", "leadership", the majority of them picture an environment in which money rules, and morality has long been forgotten. If we are to be honest, this analogy is not unreasonable. Still a significant part of the people holding management positions are acting on the example of their predecessors from the time of the Industrial Revolution.

But that does not mean that there are no leaders that comply with generally accepted ethical norms of honesty, fairness and integrity, or that it is impossible to be a good leader without using obsolete power methods. According to Steven Kovey, the author of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, leadership based on universal principles is not just a good thing - it is a must for the success of the leader, his team and the organization in which he/she works.

What is the difference between leadership and management?

Leadership and management are different management styles. To make your team extraordinary, it is important to understand and accept the difference between them. People often confuse the two terms, but they are not the same thing, although it is very possible for a person to combine both roles.

Manager	Leader
Administrates	Innovates
Maintains	Develops
Focuses on procedures	Focuses on people
Controls	Inspires
Manages tasks	Manages people
Avoids risks	Accepts risks
Ensures quality control	Motivates

 

How to build your own leadership style?

There are a number of leadership styles that are based on different understandings and theories. Your personal style should be a combination of your own views, values and preferences, the culture in your organization, and the norms that encourage or criticize certain behaviors.

Step 1: Identify your current leadership style.

Step 2: Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Step 3: Rely on your team and encourage them to take the leadership role when you cannot do it.

Step 4: Search for feedback.

Conclusion

To build a democratic leadership style does not mean that all your decisions must be popular. But if you choose to live and work by principles, you will soon realize that you have a strong influence on people and that they trust you and your decisions.