Understanding Leadership
Leadership & Development Management Program1
Done By:
Manal Al Mahmood
Understand leadership styles
Factors that will influence the choice of leadership styles in workplace situations
Leadership is the ability of a person to move an organization towards the achievement or accomplishment of its goals and objectives (Ricketts and Ricketts, 2010, p.5). The leadership style used in an organization is essential in determining whether the desired results will be achieved. There are different factors that can impact the choice of leadership employed and a leader must identify and understand the impact that each factor would have in a given situation and must adapt the most ideal style that can enhance the desired result (Ricketts and Ricketts, 2010, p.5). Some of these factors include the nature of decision, the readiness of the team, situation, the behaviors of the team, leader’s personality, ability, and experiences.
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A chosen leadership style will depend on the task type, work environment, and line of business. For example, working in AB Bank requires more direction and set routines, as opposed to a design company where flexibility will encourage productivity. Furthermore, a leader must use judgment to decide the suitable style needed in a given situation. The situational approach to leadership identifies four leadership styles which include: authoritative, persuasive, consultative, and democratic (Lebitso, 2014, p.97). Thus, in a crisis situation or when controlling a large number of subordinates, the most ideal leadership style would be autocratic to minimize damages, as opposed to democratic which would take long before one consults with everyone seeking their