A management style is a way to describe the specific behaviors exhibited by managers. There are so many models that describe the characteristics that make a good manager or leader based on personality and other traits like directness, empathy, flexibility, and agility. Obviously, there are some management styles that best suit certain scenarios than others, and there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to being a quality manager. However, for the most part, some management styles have proven to be the most effective in a majority of situations. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective management styles.
Many business owners and department heads like to use this management style especially when they are always bringing new employees into the fold and developing them for leadership roles. The philosophy behind this management style is modeling your behavior in a way that you would want your employees to behave and conduct themselves. Sometimes, people see this as a coaching or training style because by doing so, you are preparing those under you to take on future roles and you are presenting what you believe is the right way to handle situations.
This management style is a lot easier to embrace because you are simply being yourself. The only caveat is when you begin to make mistakes or act in a way that isn’t the most desirable as your employees might pick up on these things. So, it forces you to be aware of your behavior and how you are conducting yourself.
Managers who use this style, act on the philosophy that “two heads are better than one.” These managers like to share their ideas and problems, and they encourage participation from their employees. They want to hear what others have to say and are open to all suggestions regardless of an employee’s level, or job title. This kind of teamwork can help the business as a whole grow because they surround themselves with fresh, new ideas that boost productivity. A manager using this style may retain their decision-making authority, but they also give a lot more credit to the opinions of other people on their team. Doing so allows employees to feel like they are part of the process and encourages them to contribute their best ideas.
The philosophy behind autonomous management focuses on trust and professionalism. It is the exact opposite of micromanagement (which focuses on staying on top of employees and what they are doing). These managers rely on their employees to manage their workload and get the job done. This style is particularly useful in industries that hire licensed professionals or independent contractors who have the skills that do not necessarily require management. Applying this style gives employees free reign to control their work environment. However, the hiring process can be difficult with this style as you must make sure that whoever you bring on board has the tools and experience to work under such conditions.