Leadership styles- autocratic, consultative, democratic and laissez-faire

Autocratic Style
 Autocratic leaders do decision making by themselves.
 Typically make choices based on their ideas and judgments and rarely accept advice from followers.
Autocratic leadership is a management style wherein one person controls all the decisions. Autocratic leaders make choices or
decisions based on their own beliefs and do not involve others for their suggestion or advice.
I know that if you hear a word autocratic leader you have an idea on your mind who’s that person is.
Example:

 There is a group work wherein your leader finish and submit the task without consulting others members about their ideas and
suggestion.

 When doing a research. How can you defend your proposal if you don’t know what’s your topic all about, because only the
leader knows it. Only the leader work on it, because he or she made decision by himself.

Consultative Style
 Consultative leaders allow participation of the members of the organization by consulting them but make the decision
themselves.
Leaders consult with their teams and hear what team members' suggestions and opinions but the final decision is for them. But
atleast the leader consult other members unlike autocratic leaders they only make decision by themself.
Example:
You have a dance performance in a PE class. The leader gathered his/her members to have a meeting. Other members want to
perform a folk dance so they suggest it to the leader but the leader is a hiphop dancer she want to perform a hiphop dance. In the
end of the meeting the leader announce that they will perform a hiphop dance and the other members don’t have a choice but to
obey what the leader said.

Democratic Style
 Democratic leaders allow the members of the organization to fully participate in decision making.
 Decisions are arrived at by way of consensus. (general agreement)

Also called “shared leadership” or “participative leadership,” democratic leadership encourages each team member to participate
in decision-making by sharing their opinions or suggestions. A democratic leader encourages open conversation and helps their
members set goals, evaluate their own performance and motivates them to grow.
Example:
You have a group project (diorama). The leader let his/her members to fully participate in the project. Make the team collaborate
each other to make the project more creative and innovative

Laissez Faire Style

 Leaders avoid responsibility and leave the members of the organization to establish their own work.
 This leadership style leads to the kanya-kanya mentality, one weaknesses of the Filipino character.
Laissez-faire leadership takes a hands-off approach to leadership and gives others the freedom to make decisions. They let their
members use their creativity, resources, and experience to help them meet their goals. Group members expected to solve
problems on their own. In short leaders give trust to his/her member’s capability.
Example:
In group reporting or group teaching demonstration. The leader will let other members to work on their part. It’s up to them what
strategies are they going to us. Their performance is up to them not to the leaders especially if that is individual grades. Same as
for the role playing. The leader will let you do your own part.
Lesson 3: Principles of Effective Organizational Leadership
Principle 1: Proficiency must be observed in every task
 Every leader must not settle for mediocrity. (the quality of being average or ordinary) We cannot afford a leader to be "half-
baked" (not enough or leader who never knows his craft. Every task is sacred so much so that, if possible, perfection must be
sought as it is being accomplished.
As a leader you need to be a resourceful. A little things mean a lot. Your members depend on you, being a leader is a big
responsibility. As a leader you need to be flexible.

Principle 2: Master yourself and find ways to improve

 It helps to reflect on the wisdom of the ages as it puts premium on the mastery of oneself. The classic slogan, "to thy own
self be true" is applicable to every leader.
Every leader must be true to themselves. How can leaders understand the imperfections of their subordinates and other people if
they never attempt to understand their own. Empty your cup and be teachable. The leader must be humble enough to seek
improvement.

Principle 3: Knowledge of the people around you and be aware of their welfare
 The late president Ramon Magsaysay was loved by our people because of his care for his constituents.
 He was fondly called the "champion of the masses" for he looked out for their needs and welfare.
Ramon Magsaysay commanded the admiration, respect and affection of people because he was a simple and humble man; he
cared for all people as individuals and believed in their dignity and importance.

As a leader you need to understand what motivates them and what is important to them. Commit time and effort to listen and learn
about them.

Principle 4: Share information with people of one's domain

 A leader must never be remiss of his duty to keep his or her subordinates abreast of what's going on in their organizations.
Ang isang pinuno ay hindi dapat magpabaya sa kanyang tungkulin na panatilihin ang kanyang mga nasasakupan na abreast
sa kung ano ang nangyayari sa kanilang mga organisasyon.
 Memorandum can be disseminated for some salient tasks, seminars, meetings, celebration among others. In so doing,
communication gap will be avoided.
The name of the game here is keeping one's followers informed. They ought to know the rules, policies, and whatever changes or
adjustments that may occur in the performance of the tasks assigned to them. If this is done consistently, errors in the output will
be minimized and prevented.

Principle 5: Be a good example

 "There is no substitute for role modeling" as the common adage goes.
 If a leader introduces new policies for his followers but he himself is the number one who violates it, one may wonder if he
is worth emulating of not! As many speakers emphasize, one must "walk the talk!"
In short, being a leader is a role model for their members or other people.

The expression 'walk the talk' means you do what you ask other people to do or what you promised to do.

Being a good example is behaving in a positive manner. Leading your life in a good way creates a scenario that others will most
likely want to copy. For example, when parents demonstrate leadership, strength, guidance and responsibility, their children will
absorb the good behavior.

Principle 6: See to it that every task is clearly understood, monitored and accomplished
 When instructions are given by a leader to his followers, see to it that everything is understood.
 Be open to questions and clarifications.
The leader must ensure that ALL tasks are understood, monitored and accomplished. When it comes to understanding the task,
those assigned to the task should understand it well. Every great leader has his or her hands full. Yet, by being consistent and
ensuring that all team members have a job and maintaining supervision, for sure the outcome of any mission is SUCCESS.

Principle 7: Commit and train your people to collaborate as a team.

 Leader is not an “island” who must be alone in his work.
 Every leader must remember this:
“You are not the master of the universe!” and as such you must work with your followers to work as a team.
Are you aware that a single stick from the broom cannot clean on its own?
For example in research, the leader must train his/her members to collaborate as a team inorder to finish their research on time.
Good communication goes towards the unity of the members.

Principle 8: Decisions must be sound and time bound

 Every leader must be firm with his or her decisions.
 We admire a leader whose unwavering decision is being held on despite its unpopularity.
As a leader you need to be confident and smart.
A leader will have to make decisions in a sound and timely manner because his/her followers will be expecting that from their
leaders. It is the duty of every leader to deliver on that expectation. Whether in times of trouble or peace, a leader must deliver
those all important decisions. A leader cannot hesitate when it comes to making those decisions. Do what it takes to make
decisions that are sounds, timely, and made to the best of your ability.

Principle 9: Create an atmosphere of responsibility in your group

 It is easy for a leader to win the trust and respect of his or her followers if he or she encourages them to work despite the
difficulty of the tasks given them.
 A leader's belief in them will be a moving force to excel beyond their imagination.
The best and most efficient way for a leader to create an autonomous working environment is to specifically communicate his or
her confidence in each employee’s ability.

When they are feel that their contributions are valued and that they are part of something greater, they are more likely to be
motivated and committed to the team’s success.

Principle 10: Do not evade responsibilities and be accountable to your own actions
 A leader must be grateful enough that he is still running his office for good.
 It might be that he is the type of leader who never says "no" to his superior when he knows very well that he can tackle the
work entrusted to him.
Accountability is a key ingredient in any success, but it seems to be the one that people have most difficulty with. When we accept
accountability we put ourselves in a position where we can make the necessary changes to be successful, whereas when we look to
blame it disempowers us. The more accountable we can be, the more accountable our teams will become and the more success we
can achieve.

Leadership Styles- Autocratic, Consultative, Democratic and Laissez-Faire

Which leadership styles are participative?

Among the leadership styles mentioned, the consultative and democratic leadership style are the only ones that allow for
participation of the members of the organization.
Consultative Leadership:

In a consultative leadership style, the leader solicits input and feedback from their team members before making
decisions. While the leader ultimately retains the authority to make the final decision, they value the perspectives and insights of
their team members and consider them in the decision-making process. This style encourages collaboration and empowers
employees to contribute their ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the outcomes.

Democratic Leadership:

Democratic leadership is characterized by a high level of participation and collaboration among team members. In this
style, the leader facilitates open communication and consensus-building within the group. Decisions are made collectively through
discussion, debate, and voting, with the leader serving as a facilitator rather than a dictator. Democratic leadership promotes
inclusivity, teamwork, and shared responsibility, leading to greater engagement and satisfaction among team members.

Both consultative and democratic leadership styles emphasize the importance of involving employees in the decision-
making process, thereby fostering a culture of participation, collaboration, and empowerment within the organization. But
between the consultative and democratic styles of leadership, the democratic style is genuinely participative because it abides by
the rule of the majority.

Principles of Effective Organizational Leadership

Why Organizational Leadership important?

Leaders are responsible for making critical decisions, allocating resources efficiently and meeting the organization's goals. They
cultivate a positive and productive work environment, nurture the talents of their team members and promote collaboration and
innovation.

Effective leadership is essential in order to achieve organizational goals. They provide direction, guidance and clear expectations
for their team to follow.