VARY YOUR MANAGEMENT STYLE TO SUIT SITUATIONAL DEMANDS

Management is all about getting things done through people in the most optimum manner. The way managers handle various situations reflects their management styles. Broadly these styles can be classified as under:-

(a)    Autocratic

(b)   Paternalistic

(c)    Democratic

(d)   laissez faire

AUTOCRATIC MANAGERS

Take unilateral decisions.

Focus mainly on organizations interest.

Totally neglect the interest, needs and concerns of the employees.

Exercise close supervision & control.

Yields good results but employees yet disillusioned with the bosses.

PATERNALISTIC MANAGERS

They too dictate terms but encourage feedback.

Considers employees interest.

Maintain strict control through supervision.

Give subordinates little latitude in execution.

This style works only when the work involved is fairly simple and does not require specification because managers can not run the show without possessing expertise in all domains.

DEMOCRATIC

In order to need inputs from specialists managers must adopt democratic style and encourage sub ordinates to participate in decision making and arrive at consensus.

Arriving at consensus may slow down the decision making process.

LAISSEZ FAIRE

Just opposite to Autocratic style.

Everything is left to the discretion of the employee / sub ordinates.

This style can lead to chaos unless the people being managed are highly professional and committed to their work and need no supervision.

CONCLUSION

No single style works effectively in all situations.

Leaders need to do what the people they supervise can’t do for themselves at the given point of time.

Combining various styles achieves maximum effectiveness.

First learn to asses the needs of each individual team member and than vary your style accordingly.

Different strokes to different folks.

Sometimes you may have to use different leadership styles towards the same person. A person may be highly competent in some areas where he needs little directions, while in other areas he may not be good enough and requires more guidance.