Leadership Styles

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This report is attempting to delve into the systemic differences autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire styles of leadership has on an individual, class, department or institution. As a nursing student, I believe it is important to understand the distinct differences inherent to each style as well as the benefits and disadvantages associated with the various styles of leadership. From my studies and observations an autocratic leader is less likely to use the opinions or suggestions of others; in fact they could be a working dictator. They are very hands on and believe their way is the only way. Autocratic leaders are normally inflexible. Working with or for this type of person could make for a very long day. (Lewin & Lippitt, 1938) (Vroom & Yetton, 1973). Conversely the nurse leaders who practice the laissez-faire style of leadership takes the hands off approach allowing new nurses such as myself to work independently and learn as they go with very little supervision (Lewin & Lippitt, 1938). I believe the work place would be less stressful than the autocratic but less productive than the democratic. This brings me to my personal favorite style of leadership democratic which I chose to follow as I move forward in my career. The democratic leader gives followers a vote in nearly every decision the team make (Lewin & Lippitt, 1938). Democratic leadership could be more time consuming than the other two styles of leadership with respect to reaching a majority consensus because decisions are made as a team (Denhardt & Denhardt, 2003; Hackman & Johnson). Regardless I believe leaders should rely on the team to create policy as they do when addressing a medical procedure. During my mother’s transition I had the opportunity to witn... ... middle of paper ... ...as I move forward in my career I will work as part of a team that will eventually change the world. Works Cited Conger, J. (1993). The brave new world of leadership training. Organizational Dynamics, 21(3), 46-57. Denhardt, J. V., & Denhardt, R. B. (2003). The new public service: Serving, not steering. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe. Hill, S. S. & Howlett, H. A. (2009). Success in Practical/Vocational Nursing: From Student to Leader. (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier . Kanter, R. M. (1982). The change masters: Innovation and entrepreneurship in the American corporation. New York: Simon & Schuster. Lewin, K., & Lippitt, R. (1938). An experimental approach of the study of autocracy and democracy: A preliminary note. Psychometry, 1, 292-300. Vroom, V. H. & Yetton, P. W. (1973). Leadership and decision-making. Pittsburgh, PA: University of Pittsburgh Press.

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