What’s Your Style?

All the fancy management books note there are in all 6 basic managerial styles. I am not saying that there are any more or less correct styles of management.

You as a leader should find it advantageous to adopt the right style to fit the situation and the person. Consequently, what I am saying is that some styles are better suited to certain situations than others.

And also, if you keep to the same style no matter what the situation this can have adverse affects from your staff and their performance.

So, want to know what the 6 managerial styles are and what they mean?

Here’s my take on the 6 styles:

1. THE COERCIVE MANAGEMENT STYLE

Manager who uses this is intent on obtaining immediate compliance from employees. Conversation is one way.

Very directive, He/she tightly controls situations and emphasizes negative rather than positive feedback.

The manager wants employees to do their work exactly as the manager wants it.

2. THE AUTHORITATIVE MANAGEMENT STYLE

The manager's goal here is to provide vision and focused leadership. Emphasis is on long term thinking and a clearly stated direction.

Decisions are made by the manager but some employee input is sought to reality test decisions. This style also relies on the skillful use of influence to gain employee buy-in to decisions, a firm but fair approach.

3. THE AFFILIATIVE MANAGEMENT STYLE

Manager uses this to promote harmony, cooperation, and good feelings among employees.

Affiliative actions include accommodating family needs that conflict with work goals, quickly smoothing tensions between employees, or promoting social activities within the team.

The manager pursues being liked as a way to motivate people.

He/she puts people first and tasks second.

4. THE DEMOCRATIC MANAGEMENT STYLE

Manager focuses on building group consensus and commitment through group management of the decision-making process.

Requires a hands-off style and places a heavy emphasis on team participation. Employees are trusted to have the skills, knowledge and drive to come up with decisions to which everyone is committed.

Manager's role is only to fine-tune and approve the plan.

5. THE PACESETTING MANAGEMENT STYLE

Manager uses this style to focus on accomplishing a great deal of top quality work him-or herself. Employees are thought capable of achieving their own goals with little supervision.

When performance is not up to standard, the manager will do it him- or herself.

Emphasis on "Doing it myself"

6. THE COACHING MANAGEMENT STYLE

Directed towards professional growth of employees

Manager focuses on helping employees identify their strengths and weaknesses, improvement areas and set development plans that foster career goals.

Manager creates an environment that supports honest self- assessment and treats mistakes as learning opportunities in the development process.

You will always have a dominant style that you use more than any other. It's always really interesting to see the mix of how often you use the other styles as well.

Think about what styles you use the most often.

Are they effective?

Are you a one dimensional leader that uses the same style over and over again?

What could you do to develop you skills in the other managerial styles?

I'll leave them with you!