About Business Leadership

According to psychologist Kurt Lewin, there are three major types of leadership styles: authoritarian, participative and laissez-faire. Managers and those in positions of power should analyze themselves and find the style that best fits their personality and ideals.

Types

Authoritarian leaders know exactly what they want and when they want it done. They give precise instructions on how to carry out a specific task and a time frame in which to get it done. These leaders excel when there is little time to make a group decision or in times of emergency.
Participative leaders ask for the ideas and opinions of others and tend to be the most productive type of managers. Their followers tend to feel more valued and are more creative.
Laissez-faire, or delegating, leaders allow employees to make all of the decisions, offering no input themselves. They typically allow employees to work without any form of structure. These are the least productive leaders.

Identification

Great leaders tend to have different styles at different times, adapting their decisions and ways of thinking according to the situation at hand.

Misconceptions

Not all managers are leaders. A leader has followers, but not all managers develop a following because they do not gain the respect of their subordinates.

Significance

Leaders help lead people to greatness. The best leaders inspire change and vision and allow transformation, and they inspire people to always do their best.

Other Types

The emergent leadership style is evident when a new boss is ready to take over. Groups do not always accept him or her, so it takes time for that leader to earn respect and standing.
Transactional leaders go strictly by the book, which can spell trouble during an emergency or when new situations arise.
Transformational leaders like to emphasize change in everyone and everything and strive to help others grow. They are visionaries and encourage change in the group as a whole.