There are four basic styles of leadership which have to do with the way resources are used by leaders and the groups they lead.
They are:
PROACTIVE
This leadership style is involved when the leader has the resources and the right to initiate action and exert control over what's going on.
Strategies associated with this style:
1. Authoritarian Behavior - dogmatic
2. Persuasion and Enforcement - use of Sanctions
3. Patronizing and Contempt - condescension
Success for this style of leadership is likely when:
1. There is an agreement that the leader has resources and the group is limited
2. There is a time pressure or crisis
3. The group's resistance toward the leader is minimal
4. The situation or problem is not too complex
5. Motivation and commitment of the group is not critical
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REACTIVE
This leadership style is involved when the leader feels impotent and sees the group as strong. The leader then attempts to fit in with or accommodate to that environment.
Strategies associated with this style:
Success for this style of leadership is likely when:
1. There's an agreement that group has resources and the leader is limited
2. Leader is willing to "go along" for the sake of time
3. There's no moral or ethical issue is at stake
4. The leader does not see this as a priority item
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INACTIVE
This leadership style is involved when neither the leader or the group are perceived to have resources
Strategies associated with this style:
Success for this style of leadership is likely when:
1. This response is not long-term
2. There is inadequate information
3. No immediate gain can be seen
4. There's little motivation for either the leader or the group
5. There's an emotionally charged atmosphere
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INTERACTIVE
This leadership style is involved when the leader has resources, and so does the group.
Strategies associated with this style:
1. Giving or Sharing Information - between the leader and group, and among members
2. Seeking Information - listening and asking questions
3. Developing Alternatives - refusing to be locked into a predetermined plan
A characteristic expression would be: "I have some information and experience which I think has a bearing on this situation, you have some information and experience. Let's try to identify what we know and what's possible and develop a course of action which has the best chance of being effective."
Success for this style of leadership is likely when:
1. There's a true need for both leader and group to contribute
2. The problem is complex and high motivation is needed
3. There is adequate time
4. Resistance is significant
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