What is Your Management Style?
Whether you are a new manager or one who has worked with employees for a long time, you still need to step back and view your management style. How would you evaluate your style?
First, what types of management styles are there?
Autocratic
Manages by control over most aspects of the work and give little autonomy to the employees. The manager decides without input from team members. Without the employees buy in, the manager has to work hard to keep them focused and productive.
Relax
Tends to stand back and limits direction which allows the employees to complete their work. This works well with highly skilled and knowledgeable employees who can move forward quickly with the work. This type of manager will provide guidance, though only when needed. Assuming the manager is aware of what the employees are doing, this style would be considered more of a mentor.
Teamwork
This type of manager focuses on collaboration and directs employees to create and solve problems as a team.
Democratic
This style of management allows employees to help build the direction of a project through consensus. There is a great deal of communication on both sides in order. The downside of this style is it could slow down the decision-making process. Essential to streamline the decision-making process here.
Transactional
Provides rewards and negative feedback via completion of predetermined tasks. They set high-performance standards for self and the group. Though this can be a useful management style, the downside is there is a need to build in less demanding times. Otherwise team members will burn out from demanding pace.
Transformational
This type of manager is very visible as they provide the big picture and delegate tasks to teams to complete the goals. They work with employees to identify the change, creating a vision to guide the change through motivation and inspiration.
Chaotic
An interesting style as it gives total control over the decision-making process to employees. This type of style can create innovative ideas. Have to make sure that the team members are fully engaged in their growth and the company’s success.
Entrepreneur
This type of manager isn’t a manager, rather a visionary. The plus of this style is their energy, and they are willing to help employees grow because there is so much to do. The downside is they do not set expectations, and the employee has to be flexible to meet the ongoing demand of starting a new company.
No one person is just one type of manager; rather most people have a blend between a couple of styles. All managers tend to lean on one specific style in their daily operations. All styles have their strengths and weaknesses. When you recognize your most comfortable style, ask yourself:
Does your management style provide you with the best performance from your team?
Evaluate what is working and what is stopping your employees from doing their best. One way to is to get feedback. Ask your team members how you can best manage them. How does your management style provide them with the leadership they need and where does it inhibit their performance. There is always room to grow and change.
Be well,
Pat
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