1 Autocratic leadership

Autocratic leadership is a style where the leader makes all the decisions and gives clear directions to the followers. The leader does not consult or involve the followers in the decision-making process, and expects them to obey and comply without question. Autocratic leaders tend to have high control, authority, and power over the team, and may use rewards and punishments to motivate them. Autocratic leadership can be effective in situations where quick and decisive actions are needed, where the leader has more expertise and experience than the followers, or where the followers are unskilled, inexperienced, or indifferent. However, autocratic leadership can also have negative consequences, such as lower morale, creativity, and innovation, higher turnover, and resistance among the followers, especially if they feel ignored, disrespected, or oppressed.

3 Comparing the styles

Autocratic and democratic leadership styles differ in several aspects, such as the degree of involvement, communication, feedback, and flexibility of the leader and the followers. Autocratic leaders tend to have a high degree of involvement in the tasks and processes of the team, while democratic leaders tend to delegate and empower the followers. Autocratic leaders tend to communicate in a one-way and top-down manner, while democratic leaders tend to communicate in a two-way and horizontal manner. Autocratic leaders tend to give less feedback and recognition to the followers, while democratic leaders tend to give more feedback and recognition. Autocratic leaders tend to be rigid and inflexible in their decisions and actions, while democratic leaders tend to be adaptable and flexible.

4 Advantages and disadvantages

Both autocratic and democratic leadership styles have advantages and disadvantages, depending on the context and the outcome. Some of the advantages of autocratic leadership are: faster and more consistent decisions, clearer roles and expectations, higher productivity and efficiency, and stronger direction and focus. Some of the disadvantages of autocratic leadership are: lower satisfaction and engagement, higher stress and frustration, lower creativity and innovation, and higher dependency and conformity. Some of the advantages of democratic leadership are: higher satisfaction and engagement, lower stress and frustration, higher creativity and innovation, and higher autonomy and responsibility. Some of the disadvantages of democratic leadership are: slower and more inconsistent decisions, unclear roles and expectations, lower productivity and efficiency, and weaker direction and focus.

6 Developing your style

As a leader, you can develop your own leadership style by reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses, learning from your experiences and feedback, observing and emulating other leaders, and experimenting with different approaches and techniques. You can also improve your leadership style by seeking opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge, such as attending training courses, reading books and articles, joining networks and communities, and seeking mentors and coaches. By developing your leadership style, you can increase your confidence and competence as a leader, and improve your performance and relationships with your team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?