The characteristic features of leaders began to be studied in detail in the 20th century. Why can one person lead people and another not? This question worries scientists now. In order to understand the problem in detail, many extensive studies have been conducted. The experts decided to identify the characteristic behavioral characteristics of the leaders. However, the results were mixed.
This is quite natural, because leaders differ significantly from each other both in character and in management style. Then the researchers set a different goal. They decided to identify leadership styles, and their advantages and disadvantages. Let us consider in more detail the obtained research results.
There are two main types of leader - authoritarian and democratic. In the first case, the main feature of the leader is that he puts pressure on the most basic needs of people. That is, the leader does not believe in the possibility of interest in work, but influences subordinates with the help of money. In this case, power is concentrated in the hands of one person. The leader requires subordinates to complete obedience and unquestioning fulfillment of instructions.
Leadership styles also include the opposite of autocrat. A democratic leader works on the highest needs of people. That is, he believes in natural curiosity and interest in work. A democratic leader motivates a person with the possibility of self-realization, provides full initiative, supports the initiative of employees. In this case, the power in the organization is decentralized.
Leadership styles also fall into two additional categories. A supportive, authoritarian leader takes all the main power into his own hands and motivates employees with cash incentives. However, in this case, the leader gives his subordinates limited independence, and trusts them in making some decisions.
There is also an advisory leadership style. The leader takes care of all the main strategic issues, and leaves his subordinates to the solution of tactical tasks. The power in the organization, in this case, is partially decentralized.
Now you know all the basic leadership styles. Each of them has its pros and cons. In some periods, the organization will have ideally authoritarian leadership, and in some, democracy will be required.
Such an extensive topic as leadership and management style will be incomplete without considering this issue in politics, because it is there that the main power is concentrated. Let's consider this question in more detail. Four types of leaders are also distinguished here, but their distinctive characteristics are more extensive and complex than in the classification of leaders of organizations. This is not surprising, because far from every person can lead the masses.
What are the styles of political leadership? Consider the most modern classification. The standard bearer leader is the person who primarily motivates people. I want to identify with him, because such a politician is endowed with the ability to attract and delight. It is an ideal from which millions take an example.
A leader-servant is a person who directs all his efforts to the social needs of citizens. He seeks to help people with his practical activities, real deeds. He works on behalf of his voters, seeks to find out all their needs.
A leader-trader is a politician who knows how to correctly convey all his strategic plans and concepts to citizens. He convinces, attracts attention, has the gift of suggestion.
The leader-fireman is, first of all, a tactician who perfectly knows how to solve specific problems. He easily copes with the most “burning” problems and pressing issues.