Friday, December 18, 2009
What’s Your Boss’ Style?
Thu, 11/26/2009 By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman JobCentral
Below's the extract
The Autocratic Boss
Also known as the authoritarian leadership style, the ones who work with – or in this case, work under – an employer in this category might experience sweaty palms and an accelerated pulse rate upon his mere presence. Autocratic bosses tend to impose a daunting presence on their subordinates, give direct orders with a no-questions-asked approach, and lack trust in their workers when it comes to decision-making.
Autocratic bosses’ strengths lie in prompt decision-making and handling large groups of low-skilled workers. While this leadership style usually gives employees certainty and clear direction of the business, it also risks employees becoming overly-dependent on their leaders.
There is also a line that authority figures shouldn’t cross when adopting this management style. Rudeness, abuse of power and blatant disregard for an employee’s wellbeing are not signs of a good leader. If you find that your boss is more like a playground bully instead of the mentor he ought to be, consider raising the issue with him, regardless of how nerve-wrecking that prospect may be.
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The Paternalistic Figure
Like the autocrat, the paternalistic boss can be rather dictatorial. However, unlike the former, paternalistic figures have a motivational and overall more pleasant professional disposition that is encouraging to most employees under them. As the name suggests, paternalistic leaders often come across as fatherly and prefer to emphasise staff’s social needs and wellbeing when it comes to making the big decisions.
Good paternalistic leaders tend to be sensitive, yet assertive when the situation calls for it. They easily build a sense of loyalty among staff. However, communication tends to be one-way and downward, although there is room for employees to give feedback.
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The Democratic Organiser
Democratic leaders prefer their staff to work with them rather than for them, and enjoy having discussions that generate novel ideas. This style appeals to employees who relish the idea of having more liberty to make their own decisions and employ creative freedom in the workplace. However, workplace democracy also warrants a responsible and passionate staff force in order for the best results to be attained.
Handing the reins to a new or inadequately skilled worker might lead to unnecessary mistakes or shoddy work. Employees should ensure that the projects assigned to them are genuinely within their pool of capabilities. If you are not quite ready to undertake a certain project, pluck up the courage to share your concerns with your boss, and propose that you oversee the areas that are within your expertise.
Democratic leaders also tend to be consultative, including employees in the decision-making process. This approach is useful for tackling complex decisions that need diverse perspectives. However, critics say that it takes more time for conclusions to be reached and sometimes a consensus might not be the “best decision” for the company.
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The Laissez-Faire Leader
Also known as the “hands-off” style of authority, the laissez-faire leader prefers to delegate tasks entirely to his subordinates, even those that require more responsibility. Such leaders often offer little guidance and instruction to employees, and sometimes leave them on their own to handle the implications of their decision-making.
This type of leadership is most effective when the workforce comprises skilful, independent and highly qualified individuals. However, teams still need to be given clear vision and objectives to work efficiently and effectively. To make up for the lack of direct guidance, teams can appoint an unofficial leader for themselves – usually the most senior and capable member. Chart out the project goals and weigh the different options available for achieving them, but also take note of the possible setbacks that might arise. With a clearer vision of where your work is headed, you and your colleagues will be able to successfully handle most of the responsibilities.
& 11:12 am
