Leadership and management styles

1. Read the description of the five different types of manager. Put the numbers 1-5 on the line, then compare in small groups.

Democratic manager

1. You discuss problems with others as a group, and collect their ideas suggestions. Then you make the decision alone. Others may or may not agree with you.

2. You solve the problem or make the decision alone, using information that you are able to get yourself.

3. You get information others, and then decide on the solution alone. You may or may not tell others why you want the information.

4. You share the problem with others as a group. You all evaluate the situation and reach an agreement together. You accept the group’s decision, even if it isn’t your own solution.

5. You share the problem with others individually, but you do not consult them as a group. You then make the decision alone. Others may or may not agree with you.

2. Work in groups. Summarise the information above and your own ideas to prepare the list of characteristics for democratic and autocratic managers.

manager

democratic autocratic

3. Match these pairs of contrasting management style.

1 autocratic 2 centralizing 3 directive 4 empowering 5 hands on 6 task-oriented

a) collaborative b) controlling c) delegating d) democratic e) people-oriented f) laissez-faire

4. What is the role of a manager? Choose your top three roles from the following:

coach / motivator mediator problem-solver investigator dictator

organiser facilitator leader mentor decision-maker

Explain your choice; what management style are they close to?

Describe the management style in your family.

If you were a manager, what style would you have?

READING 1

1. Work in groups of three. Each of you read about one of the management styles — Directing, Discussing or Delegating — and decide which of the following statements are true for your style.

1. It is up to employees to keep the manager up to date on progress.

2. Managers set strict time limits.

3. Managers encourage staff to put forward their ideas.

4. Managers and employees decide together what needs to be achieved.

5. Decisions are made by managers and their staff.

6. Employees get precise instructions.

7. Managers do not want employees to avoid making decisions which employees should make.

8. Managers have tight control of employees’ movements and work schedules.

9. When employees are given tasks, they decide how to complete them.

The Big Three Management Styles

by Paul B. Thornton

Management literature describes numerous management styles, including assertive, autocratic, coaching, country club, directing, delegating, laissez-faire, participatory, supportive, task-oriented and team-based. Are there really that many styles? I believe there are three basic styles — directing, discussing and delegating, the 3-Ds of Management Style.