Theories Personality Psychology What's Your Leadership Style? Learn more about your strengths and weaknesses as a leader By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MSEd Facebook Twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 05, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Medically reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change. Learn about our Medical Review Board 1. When it comes to decisions: I have the final say over decisions made within my group. I make the final decision, but I accept a lot of input from my team. I let group members make their own decisions. Correct Wrong 2. I consider suggestions made by others in the group. Rarely. I'm the most knowledgeable member of the group. All the time. Collaboration is the key to success. Always. I rely on the group to decide our direction. Correct Wrong 3. When it comes to giving orders: I tell group members what to do, how to do it, and when I want it done. I provide direction, but also offer support and accept feedback from the team. I don't really like to give orders. I just let people do their thing. Correct Wrong 4. If a group member makes a mistake: They need to be reprimanded and punished. They need supportive feedback and additional guidance. They can figure out how to resolve it on their own. Correct Wrong 5. How much do you monitor members of your group? I carefully watch them to make sure they are performing tasks properly. I check in once in a while and let them know that I am available if they need help. I leave them alone. They know more about their job than I do. Correct Wrong 6. Which best describes your approach to motivating team members? People are most motivated by clear rewards and punishments. People are more motivated when they feel involved and valued. Group members should motivate themselves. Correct Wrong 7. Group members are most motivated by: A need for security A need for participation A need for independence Correct Wrong 8. Do you accept input from group members? No. I don't have time to worry about other people's ideas. Sure, but I retain the final say over major decisions. All the time! Group members make most of the decisions on their own. Correct Wrong 9. When things go wrong, I tend to: Figure things out on my own. Ask others for ideas and solutions Expect others to solve the problem. Correct Wrong 10. I want the people in my group to feel: Like they have a clear list of tasks that need to be accomplished. Like they are involved in the process and can add something to the group. Like they are in control. Correct Wrong 11. Leaders can succeed by: Giving clear orders Helping people reach their potential Leaving people alone to do their thing Correct Wrong 12. The best decisions: Are made by the leader Involve a group consensus Come directly from the group Correct Wrong 13. When it comes to assigning duties: I have very distinct expectations and a daily to-do list. I let members of the team know what needs to be done. I don't have a lot of expectations. Things will happen in their own time. Correct Wrong What's Your Leadership Style? You got: Authoritarian Leadership Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz Authoritarian leaders provide clear expectations to group members on what should be done, when it should be completed and how it should be accomplished. These leaders make decisions without input from group members. Authoritarian leadership is best used in situations when there is little time for group decision-making or when the leader is the one best equipped to solve the problem or give directions. Overuse of an authoritarian style can be construed as bossy and controlling. Worst-case examples of this style can be seen when leaders utilize bullying techniques such as yelling, abusing power or demeaning group members. Remember, the most effective leaders tend to utilize different leadership styles depending upon the situation. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet What's Your Leadership Style? You got: Democratic Leadership Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz Democratic leaders, also known as participative leaders, accept input from one or more group members when making decisions and solving problems, but the leader retains the final say when choices are made. Group members tend to be encouraged and motivated by this style of leadership. This style of leadership often leads to more effective and accurate decisions, since no leader can be an expert in all areas. Input from group members with specialized knowledge and expertise creates a more complete basis for decision-making. Remember, good leaders utilize all three styles depending upon the situation. For example: Use an authoritarian style if a group member lacks knowledge about a certain procedure. Use a democratic style with group members who understand the objectives and their role in the task. Use a delegative style if the group member knows more than you do about the task. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet What's Your Leadership Style? You got: Delegative Leadership Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz Delegative leaders, also known as laissez-faire leaders, allow group members to make decisions. This style is best used in situations where the leader needs to rely on qualified employees. The leader cannot be an expert in all situations, which is why it is important to delegate certain tasks out to knowledgeable and trustworthy group members. Remember, good leaders utilize all three styles depending upon the situation. For example: Use an authoritarian style if a group member lacks knowledge about a certain procedure. Use a democratic style with group members who understand the objectives and their role in the task. Use a delegative style if the group member knows more than you do about the task. Great leaders need to adapt and change based upon the objectives, needs of group members, and situational factors. You can find more information in this article on leadership styles. THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment. Share Your Results Share Pin Tweet By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book." See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit