Authoritarian Style, or “As I said, So be It.”
The younger generation of entrepreneurs, typically, as a rule, are very authoritarian and harsh in judgments; they recognize only their own opinions. They do not allow the slightest deviation from instructions, regulations, charters, or the company’s order. They tremblingly observe subordination – they do not enable liberties with the ordinary people; this is not a master’s business. Here is the paradox: they do not trust their employees, but at the same time, they want their work tasks to be performed flawlessly.
Disadvantages of an Authoritarian Style
You can throw away a child with water: those who are used to not listening to the opinions of online store employees run the risk of not hearing valuable ideas that will profit the company. Someone who does not allow informal relationships with subordinates may not notice the love of their life or someone who can become a best friend.
Stubbornness is not perseverance. The percentage of layoffs in companies with an authoritarian management style is higher. Employees in such companies do not develop, offer ideas, or learn new things.
Advantages of an Authoritarian Style
Iron discipline. Clarity and transparency of all business processes. The boss-dictator knows precisely how and what happens in the company at each stage, what tasks are solved, and who performs them.
In a crisis or stressful situation, employees will not be confused but will follow the orders of their superiors—they are no strangers to this. With a democratic or liberal leadership style, this is more difficult to implement: in the event of force majeure, the bosses and employees can storm like a ship in bad weather.
Democratic Style, or “Let’s Think Together.”
Democratic management style is a tricky thing. In general, the democratic style is a priority in young modern companies. The leader does not make decisions alone – he consults with the team, arranges brainstorming sessions, and tries to ensure that each employee reveals his potential. If the Democrat boss is wrong, he does not blame the staff for everything but concludes. At the same time, he remains a leader – he does not remove himself from the leading role and does not emphasize that “we are all equal here, guys.” A team is a team, but you must build the hierarchy.
Cons of democratic style
Decisions can take a long time. The more people involved in the discussion, the longer the process can take. Time management and clear deadlines for setting tasks will save the case.
Advantages of the Democratic Style
If you do not make mistakes, a democratic style can become the basis for creating a cohesive team. It strengthens team spirit and makes employees like-minded people united by one goal. It’s good if the company has a well-developed corporate culture – a mission and values, the main tasks for the coming years, and a big shared idea.
It will reduce the number of errors in the work. If many people are involved in solving the problem, you will have a greater chance of finding the best option—minimum staff turnover.
Person-Centered Style, or “Don’t be Afraid, I’m with You.”
Practicing an individual approach is the right thing to do. Bosses (usually women) like to conduct psychological tests and arrange corporate parties and joint gatherings to get to know their employees better. However, it would be best if you did not overprotect workers: You are not a hen, and they are not helpless chickens. Trust, but verify, be not a mom but a boss—this is the moral of this fable.
Cons of a Person-Centered Approach
As a rule, bosses of this type are soft, sensitive people. Good relations are more important to them than the profit of the company and its development. Therefore, sadly, a quiet boss can quickly be “eaten up” by his more resourceful colleagues or one of his subordinates.
Wake up, guys; this is business! No delegation of authority. Instead of giving clear instructions and controlling the process of completing tasks, such leaders either do everything themselves or forgive endless delays. Here, you need to make difficult decisions and take significant risks. Otherwise, there is a risk of burning out and becoming bankrupt.
Advantages of an Individual Approach
Good relations are almost the main thing for half of the employees. Despite the low salary and minor career prospects, many will hold on to this place with their hands and teeth if they find an understanding boss.
In a crisis, employees will stand behind the boss with a mountain and not let the company fall apart.
So How Should You?
In each of the three styles, what leadership style to choose and how to behave with subordinates depends on your personality, character, or situation. This is called situational management. Moreover, it is possible to apply different leadership styles, depending on the situation, even in interaction with the same person. To be an authoritarian leader, somewhere – a wise mentor, sometimes to provide the necessary paternal support. Here is a table to help you skillfully navigate between several management styles.
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