The line in the sand? It’s true. There is still a time and place for authoritarian leadership.

We are in an age of democratic and collaborative, feel-good leadership. During this time, right now, in history, many leaders, speakers, and trainers are instructing company management and executive leadership that everyone needs to feel included and that all ideas are important. This is true; sometimes. You can’t offer a blanket statement in leadership that should be applied from one business to the next. Not only do different businesses need different leadership styles, but even a single business may evolve through a different series of management and leadership styles itself.

First, let’s acknowledge these three “primary” leadership styles that have been recognized since the early 1900’s.

(** Note – leadership styles are debatable. There are many others that write on leadership style, and there are more optional styles out there.)

Participative Leadership (Democratic) – This style turns to the group to participate in discussions and decisions. There is much open discussion and this is a collaborative style, where people work together. Ultimately the final say is left to the person in charge (manager).

Laissez Faire Leadership (Delegative) – This style leaves decision-making up to members of the group. This style can be useful in situations where you have many highly qualified people working together. In general, it often leads to poorly defined roles and low motivation.

Authoritarian Leadership (Autocratic) – This offers a clear division between the leader and the members of the team. In this style, there are normally clear, concise expectations and goals. Leaders deliver expectations for what needs to be done when it should be done, and how it should be done. The leader should focus on both command and communication.

Often, people still need to have goals dictated by what is good for the business.

There is a time and a place for different management and/or leadership styles. When it comes down to clarity on what a business may need to profit, succeed and thrive, at times it takes someone putting their foot down and taking charge. Leading a charge. People need clear, concise,  direct policies and procedures given to them. 

This is when the person at the top simply has to tell people what needs to be done, be willing to show others the methodology, and then make certain that the team executes on the task. There is a time when a leader must draw the line in the sand for their team or business. 

I’ve always likened authoritarian leadership to athletic coaching. A coach provides the team with the plays (clear goals). You don’t execute on the play, you don’t get to play in the game. They make the team practice the plays over and over again (communication). And then the coach expects the team to perform when it’s game time (execute the task). Why does this work? Because it’s good not just for one player, or coach, it’s not just good for the people cheering you on the sideline… it’s good for the whole team (the business). 

When the team does well, the first reward is the smile and the feeling of pride. The feeling of a job well done. PLUS – You won’t get called bossy or overbearing when your players (employees) get their paychecks, or when they get to bask in the glory of a job well done… WHEN THEY GET TO COUNT A WIN.

Because it’s always fun to win.

So the line in the sand and authoritarian leadership… it’s still okay sometimes.

PLEASE check out my other articles and my YouTube channel for some motivation and training at http://www.LeadTheTeam.TV

Thanks!