? Leadership Styles Every individual has their own way of leading and managing people when put in a leadership role. It is an important aspect of a leader’s repertoire to be cognizant of their innate abilities, and to further build upon those abilities with education of different leadership styles. By becoming aware of one’s leadership style, there is an ability to see how we can influence colleagues and subordinates in their workplace.This knowledge can also allow us to examine how we can become better leaders in diverse working environments.
Authoritarian Leadership Style The authoritarian leader makes decisions, directs and closely supervises subordinates to closely carry out their orders (Marquis & Huston, 2012). Characteristics of authoritarian style include: preoccupation with goal achievement, distance between the leader and subordinates, motivation through threats and punishment (Priku, 2011). There are advantages and disadvantages of this type of leadership.Authoritarian leadership can be useful for rapid decision making, with large groups, high volumes of production, time constraints, and with inexperienced employees (Priku, 2011). Disadvantages can be seen when creativity and participation of employees is diminished, due to the characteristic reticence of subordinates in this type of leadership (Farrell, 2009). An ideal work environment for an authoritarian leader would be prison, military, trauma center, etc.
In these environments there is a chain of command and people’s lives can depend upon following strict commands. Democratic Leadership StyleThe democratic leader tends to involve the group in decision making and gives the group the autonomy to determine the work methods, make overall goals known, and uses feedback as an opportunity for helpful coaching (Bartol & Martin, 1998). A democratic leader has less control, and supervision is minimal, thus encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their own performances (Marquis & Huston, 2012). Advantages of democratic leadership include the promotion of autonomy, improved job satisfaction, the ability of multiple groups to work cohesively, and the understanding that criticism is constructive (Marquis & Huston, 2012).Many people must be consulted in democratic leadership, thus a disadvantage is that frustration can occur due to untimely decision making. Compare and Contrast Leadership and Management For some, the term management and leadership is used interchangeably.
Others realize that there are distinct differences between the two, and both are essential roles in the workforce. The manager is tasked with planning, organizing, setting budgets, writing business plans and coordinating; while a leader is tasked with inspiring and motivating people to change (Murray).Managers can be great leaders, just as leaders can be great managers, although this is not always the situation. Long-term goals of any institution are better met when a manager attains the qualities of a leader, thus fostering innovation and giving employees encouragement. Management and leadership have complementary strengths.
Management lights a fire under people with a position of power; where leaders stoke a fire within people with persuasion (Murray). In today’s job market employees are not only looking at their managers to assign them a task but to give them the purpose of the task.Managers are being asked to not only organize and plan for workers, but to nurture, develop skills and inspire results. The manager capable of this has proven his or her ability to be a great manager and leader.
Leadership Style of this Author This author believes a democratic leadership style best fits my philosophy of nursing leadership. I believe as healthcare professionals we need to have the autonomy to practice holistic care in a way that may be different from one nurse to another. This autonomy when given to nurses allows and fosters job satisfaction.Democratic leadership in healthcare is also important because it allows a cohesive working environment across the many groups that can be found in multiple healthcare settings.
This author leaves her normal democratic leadership style and assumes an authoritarian style in trauma and code situations. In these types of situations, this author feels comfortable giving distinct and accurate directions that I expect each member to follow accurately and expeditiously. In these situations an authoritarian leadership style is appreciated and the most effective. ConclusionWith proper training and education we can become cognizant of our abilities to manage and lead others effectively. It is this effective leadership that will build trust and encourage others to also become great leaders.
It is through working with outstanding managers and leaders that we can initiate a change in healthcare to be mindful and respectful to our cohorts and colleagues. It is through this change that we can improve job satisfaction and reduce nurse attrition. References Bartol, K. , & Martin, D.
(1998). Management. Boston: McGraw-Hill. Farrell, N. (2009). What's Your Leadership Style?Woman Advocate, 7-15.
Marquis, B. , & Huston, C. (2012). Leadership Roles and Management Functions in Nursing. Philidelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Murray, A. What is the Difference Between Management and Leadership? Retrieved January 10, 2012, from The Wall Street Journal: http://guides. wsj. com/management/developing-a-leadership-style/what-is-the-difference-between-management-and-leadership/ Priku, M.
(2011). Management Skills Resourcce Center. Retrieved from Management Skills Advisor: http://www. managementskillsadvisor. com/authoritarian-leadership.
html
