Participative LeadershipParticipative leadership is a form of the democratic leadership style. Democratic and participative styles of leadership are among the most effective leadership styles.
Of all types of leadership styles, participative leadership may be the best style for developing a cohesive team of employees. Unlike authoritative leaders who tell others what to do or one who lets their employees decide how to solve a problem a good leader gets involved with their employees when solving problems.Combination Approach: Leaders are responsible for the actions or inactions of their workers however shouting orders can result in negative feelings that foster a resentful workplace. Individuals who choose a combination approach that uses different skills for different situations can forge an employee base that works together. These types of leaders use many techniques demonstrate participative leadership skills. Managers will need to tell a new employee what is and is not acceptable while working for the company. Managers who have talked to their employees will know which one to pair the new employee with to help them get situated and off to a good comfortable start. Leaders can then involve additional employees by informing them of the new employees and asking for their assistance in helping the new worker learn where things are located, proper response to telephone inquiries and who to ask should a question arise. Using three different leadership techniques, this manager has effectively involved a wider group of people in the process, which in most cases creates a comfortable working environment. Taking Charge: Good leaders are able to take charge of any situation without hesitation, which requires an understanding of basic social and group dynamics, as well as an understanding of their employees. Employee files allow a leader to learn about any special skills, talents and additional training an employee has, and personal information that may be of assistance should a problem arise. An employee with children who is distracted at work may have a problem at home and an informed leader who notices an employee’s work performance drop might ask how things are. Specialized skills can be of assistance during a medical emergency, and leaders who are aware of those employees with special training can have them take charge by placing them where they are needed. Taking charge of a situation can be achieved using three leadership skills, authority, delegation and participation. Ordering employees to leave the building when the fire alarm goes off is authoritative leadership, asking employee to do a head count after vacating uses delegation skills, and asking employees to help locate emergency supplies or clear an area for rescue personnel, utilizes participation skills. Leadership Qualifications: Some say good leaders are born; however, everyone at some time has stepped into a leadership role. Playing a game of hide-n-seek or sandlot baseball requires leadership skills. Some people are naturally more outgoing than others are but everyone can learn the skills necessary for leadership. Communication skills are necessary, as the ability to state things clearly is an important part of leadership. Integrity allows a good leader to set the example and not become the example. Encouragement and support helps a leader bring out the best in others, and knowing how important compliments and positive reinforcement are to an employee’s feeling of value. Inspiration is something that comes easy for some, while most have to work hard to achieve it. Encouragement is one way a leader can find ways to inspire their employees. Once these skills are learned it will be easier to step into participative leadership. Team managers and leaders can make or break a work environment. Those who choose participative leadership skills will find their company’s success the reward for their choice. Books and Ebooks By Our Company Founder, Dr. Robert Terry:
The Leadership Series for Successful Living
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Authentic Leadership:
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