| Quiz - What's Your Leadership Style? | |
| Leadership Quiz - Your Results | |
Your results indicate that your leadership style is: Authoritarian, Participative, and Delegative
Authoritarian Leadership
Authoritarian leaders provide clear expectations to group members on what should be done, when it should be completed, and how it should be accomplished. These leaders make decisions without input from group members. Authoritarian leadership is best used in situations when there is little time for group decision-making or when the leader is the one best equipped to solve the problem or give directions.
Overuse of an authoritarian style can be construed as bossy and controlling. Worst-case examples of this style can be seen when leaders utilize bullying techniques such as yelling, abusing power, or demeaning group members.
Participative Leadership
Participative leaders accept input from one or more group members when making decisions and solving problems, but the leader retains the final say when choices are made. Group members tend to be encouraged and motivated by this style of leadership. This style of leadership often leads to more effective and accurate decisions, since no leader can be an expert in all areas. Input from group members with specialized knowledge and expertise creates a more complete basis for decision-making.
Delegative Leadership
Delegative leaders allow group members to make decisions. This style is best used in situations where the leader needs to rely on qualified employees. The leader cannot be an expert in all situations, which is why it is important to delegate certain tasks out to knowledgeable and trustworthy employees.
Remember, good leaders utilize all three styles depending upon the situation. For example:
- Use an authoritarian style if a group member lacks knowledge about a certain procedure.
- Use a participative style with group members who understand the objectives and their role in the task.
- Use a delegative style if the group member knows more than you do about the task.
Great leaders need to adapt and change based upon the objectives, needs of group members and situational factors. You can find more information in this article on leadership styles.
Learn More About Leadership
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10 Ways to Become a Better Leader
Interested in improving your leadership skills? Check out these useful tips. -
Theories of Leadership
Theories of leadership are generally one of eight different types. Learn more about the eight major leadership theories. -
Lewin's Leadership Styles
Kurt Lewin's 1939 study identified three major leadership styles. Learn more about this influential contribution to leadership research.
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