Different Leadership Styles or Types of Leaders

Different Leadership Styles

Different leadership styles or types of leaders are listed and explained below.

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The various styles of leadership are as follows:

1. Autocratic Style,
2. Consultative Style,
3. Participative Style,
4. Laissez-Faire Style
5. Bureaucratic Leader,
6. Neurocratic Leader,
7. Paternalistic Style,
8. Sociocratic Style, and
9. Situational Style.

Types of Leaders

Above leadership styles or different types of leaders are discussed below.

Type 1. Autocratic Style

Autocratic type of leader is called an Autocrat. He does not consult his subordinates (followers). He takes all the decisions by himself. He also takes full responsibility for his decisions. The subordinates must obey him without asking any questions.

Type 2. Consultative Style

Consultative type of leader has an open mind. He encourages his subordinates to give their suggestions and comments. If these suggestions and comments are good, then he will accept them. So this leader consults his subordinates before taking a decision. However, the final decision is taken by the leader. Therefore, he takes full responsibility for his decision.

Type 3. Participative Style

Participative type of leader encourages his subordinates to take part in decision making. The final decision is not taken by the leader himself. It is taken by the group (team), i.e. by the leader and his subordinates. The leader gives his subordinates full scope for using their talents. He is loyal to them. Therefore, they are loyal to him. They obey his orders willingly. They have a genuine (real) respect for him.

Type 4. Laissez-Faire Style

Laissez-Faire style of leader is passive. He only acts as a contact man. He provides information and resources to his subordinates. He believes that the subordinates will work best if they are left alone. Therefore, he gives them complete freedom to take their own decisions. He allows them to plan and organise their own work. He allows them to set their own goals and to solve problems on their own.

Type 5. Bureaucratic Leader

Bureaucratic leader follows all the rules and formalities of the organisation. He does not believe in new ideas. He wants his subordinates to follow all his orders. This leadership style result in red tapism and unwanted paper work.

Type 6. Neurocratic Leader

Neurocratic leader is highly a task oriented one. He wants to get the work done at any cost. He gets very upset if there is any failure. He is very emotional, sensitive and eccentric. He does not consult his subordinates in decision making. He takes his own decisions.

Type 7. Paternalistic Style

Paternalistic style of a leader creates a family atmosphere in the organisation. He acts just like a parent of his subordinates. He advises, guides and helps his subordinates with their personal problems. This style of leadership will be successful in a small organisation having a very few employees and only one leader.

Type 8. Sociocratic Style

The sociocratic leader tries to run the organisation just like a Social Club. He gives less importance to production and more importance to friendship. That is, he tries to keep his subordinates very happy. So, he creates a warm and good social environment.

Type 9. Situational Style

Situational type of leader uses different styles in different situations. That is, he changes his style according to the situation. Sometimes he will be autocratic, or consultative, or participative, etc. Now-a-days, most managers use this style of leadership.