Leadership Style

Leadership styles refers to the way through which a manager approaches their work; how they work with and through others to achieve business goals. 

Leadership is generally poorly undertaken in most firms. Employees consider their bosses to be a major contributor to their negative attitude toward their work. Poor leadership leads to low morale, low productivity, high absenteeism, conflict in workplace, staff turnover and negative workplace culture.

Providing managers with leadership training and development is the best way to lift workplace culture and improve morale, productivity and attitudes at work.

Leadership Styles:

Leadership is a fluid skill that is performed; not possessed in a title. Each situation requires a different approach; a good leader will know when to apply each of the following approaches to leverage the human capital within the firm:

• Directive: immediate compliance, dictatorial (time pressure, urgent action)

• Visionary: long-term vision (requiring direction and purpose)

• Affiliative: creation of harmony (after rift / conflict; no time pressure)

• Participative: Group consensus (delegation opportunities / new ideas needed)

• Coaching: professional growth of followers (developmental opportunities)

When to apply this strategy:

• When feedback from employees indicates poor leadership; 

• When absenteeism and staff turnover are high; 

• During increased incidence of workplace conflict; 

• When morale is low and workplace culture is negative.