Every workplace has a leader, someone who guides the team and helps achieve goals. However, how leaders approach their roles can vary greatly. This is where management styles come in.  Different styles focus on changing degrees of control, communication and decision-making.

Understanding Management Styles

Here’s a look at some common management styles:

Autocratic:  This leader makes decisions alone, with little input from the team. They give clear instructions and expect them to be followed.

Example: A manager assigns tasks to each team member. This is without any discussion and expects them to complete them within a set deadline.

Democratic: This leader encourages team participation in decision-making. They value employee input and involve them in discussions before finalising choices.

Example: A manager holds regular team meetings to discuss project ideas. They gather feedback on proposed solutions and incorporate team suggestions into the final decision.

Laissez-faire: This leader provides minimal guidance and trusts employees to manage their work independently. They set goals and expect employees to achieve them without close supervision.

Example: A manager assigns a long-term project to a team. They outline the overall goals and trust them to manage the project details and deadlines without micromanaging.

Transformational: This leader inspires and motivates employees to achieve their full potential. They set ambitious goals and challenge the team to think creatively.

Example: A manager sets a challenging sales target for the team. They provide coaching and support and motivate them to exceed expectations.

Coaching: This leader focuses on developing individual skills and talents. They provide regular feedback, guidance and support to help employees grow professionally.

Example: A manager schedules regular one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss their goals. They provide constructive feedback on their performance and offer support for their professional development.

Choosing the Right Style

The most effective management style depends on various factors:

Team experience: A new team might benefit from more direct guidance (autocratic). While an experienced team might thrive with greater autonomy (laissez-faire).

Project complexity: Complex projects might require a more hands-on approach (autocratic). While simpler tasks might allow for more independent work (laissez-faire).

Employee personalities: Some employees prefer clear instructions (autocratic). While others value involvement in decision-making (democratic).

Benefits of Effective Management

Increased productivity: Clear communication, defined goals, and appropriate support from the manager are important. They lead to a more focused and productive team.

Improved employee morale: Feeling valued, respected, and having opportunities for growth contribute to higher employee morale and satisfaction.

Reduced turnover: Effective leadership creates a positive work environment. It reduces the likelihood of employees leaving the company.

Mastering the Art of Management

Understanding different management styles allows leaders to choose the approach that best suits their team, project, and individual needs. A Post Graduation Diploma in Management is the right way to gain managerial skills and positions. The course is available in different management fields so that candidates can choose accordingly. 

MIT School of Distance Education is one of the top distance learning center in India that offers PGDM courses. MITSDE’s PGDM course is approved by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education and AICTE. 

PGDM specialisations at MITSDE;

• PGDM in Project Management
• PGDM in Information Technology
• PGDM in Marketing Management
• PGDM in Human Resource Management
• PGDM in Banking and Financial Services
• PGDM in Operations Management
• PGDM in Material Management
• PGDM in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• PGDM in Construction and Project Management
• PGDM in Finance Management

To conclude, MITSDE’s best distance learning PGDM course has transformed how professionals approach their career growth.  You can gain a solid foundation in business management styles and develop specialised skills to help you advance in your career.