Leadership Styles

One (the most important functions of executive leadership is setting the direction for the organization by identifying basic goals. Once these goals have been set, it may take a long period of time for the organization to make progress towards them. Leadership can then be measured periodically by its effectiveness in meeting goals. For example, if a goal was set to gain a 30% market share within three years and the market share is 20% at the end of this period, the effectiveness of the effort was 67%.

Ideally, leaders should adopt a style that fits their subordinates’ personalities as well as the task at hand. This will achieve optimum effectiveness and efficiency. Why? Because the effectiveness or efficiency of leadership isn’t dependent on the particular style of the leader, but on whether or not it’s appropriate to the work, the worker, and the situation.
Leaders often find situations where they must alter their personal style in order to successfully accomplish the task at hand.

There are several different leadership styles, but in general, researchers agree that leadership styles tend to be predominantly either work- or worker-oriented:

1. Authoritarian Style
2. Democratic Style
3. Minimum Effort Style
4. Adequate Performance Style
5. Highest Dedication Style

Nevertheless, there are certain variations on these styles that demand our careful investigation.

Source: Industrial Management Course

[tag]leadership, management[/tag]