Leading a business towards success can be an immense challenge. It is all about leadership skills, as a good leader, you must have all the skills that are required to lead a business to great heights. Leadership is driven by social influence rather than strict seniority. The most successful leaders can adapt to the needs of different situations, employing their various sets of leadership skills to achieve their goals.
A leader can inspire everyone within the organization and also encourage them to seek excellence. However, choosing a leadership style is not easy. So, You have to consider the people who work for you, the goals of the company and the way you want your company to grow. Therefore, In this article we are going to talk about the democratic leadership style.
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Max Depree
Leadership Is an Art
A leadership style that is most commonly used in all businesses
The most effective leadership style and most commonly used in all businesses is the Democratic Leadership style.
What is Democratic leadership style ?
Democratic leadership is known as a participative or shared leadership style in which members of the group take a participative role in the decision-making process. Hence, with this leadership style, anyone can participate, they can excahange ideas freely and discussion is encourage. This process tends to focus on group equality and the free flow of ideas, the democratic leader is still there to offer control and guidance. Further, Good democratic leaders always know that they are noting without a creative, productive and efficient workforce to maintain work consistency.
Leader’s Tip
Encourage open communication by actively listening to team members and responding to their ideas, thoughts, and concerns.
What are the Characteristics of democratic leadership ?
People often misunderstand autocrats as democratic, so most people have misconceptions about applying this leadership style in their organization. To help you understand this leadership style, we have further mentioned a few democratic leader’s qualities:
1.Intelligence
Although every leader must have intelligence as a quality- democratic leaders toped the list. These leaders are considered smart because they delegate their responsibility very effectively. They must select the right team with the proper skill set to work on a project.
2.Creativity
A democratic leader must show his or her creative side. As this leadership style requires many innovative ideas and collaboration. The leader must assist the team with proper knowledge and creativity.
Read Also: What Is Democratic Leadership Style? Qualities, 5 Examples & Books
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3. Fairness
Since employees have the liberty to contribute equally and speak their minds to the decision-making process, leaders must show fairness at all times. One of the key ways to do this is to make a clear set of rules.
Leadership is the ability to get extraordinary achievements from ordinary people. — Brian Tracy
What are the Advantages of Democratic Leadership Style?
Hence, Here are the three major advantages of incorporating this leadership style are-
1.Increased staff productivity
Democratic leadership encourages employee engagement and input, two things necessary for improving employee morale and performance. Employees are more likely to be happier when they know their opinions matter and are likely to go above and beyond.
Leader’s Tip
Incorporate team members into decision-making by soliciting and respecting their feedback throughout the process.
2. Builds a strong team
Since employees will work together on a specific task, they will spend a lot of time making a team stronger. They will understand the importance of teamwork and admiration with mutual consent. Democratic leaders are not biased and show no signs of favoritism. Choices are made centered on the best results.
3. Diverse ideas
Leaders are free to consult anyone. When inputs come from frontline employees, seniors have a better chance of making the right decision. This increases the likelihood that democratic leaders can make a decision that benefits as many people as possible.
Read Also: Laissez-Faire Leadership: The Best Playbook for all Leaders (Secret revealed)
What are the Disadvantages of Democratic Leadership Style?
Three major disadvantages are-
1.Slow decision-making process
As a democratic leadership style requires many people’s input in the decision-making process, making a choice will take a longer time. Sometimes, it will result in a slow down of the plan.
2.Not effective in crises
This leadership style may not be effective in crises because these leaders tend to hear opinions from each other, and it is difficult for them to decide without their team members. They might not feel confident enough to make immediate decisions.
3.Chances of dealing with rejections
Every team member puts extra effort and time into providing their input. These points might either be great or not. Democratic leaders will have to make some tough decisions regarding the chosen approaches.
FAQs
How can be democratic leadership style be applied to the workplace?
If you haven’t been using a democratic leadership style you may have to do a little research about it before you can approach it. Before you can have an effective democratic process, you need to look at your environment and culture. Modelling values and coaching your employees should be your first step towards a democratic leadership style.
Is transformational leadership style democratic?
Democratic leadership is known as a participative or shared leadership style in which members of the group take a participative role in the decision-making process.
Key Takeaways
- Democratic leaders delegate authority for making decisions, giving voice to all members of the team and encouraging pride in their work.
- When employees are encouraged to work together to solve problems, they are more invested in the company as a whole.
- During the transition, a healthy work atmosphere may be fostered, employee engagement can be boosted, and trust can be built through open communication.