Manager Styles

A manager with a persuading style is like a parent in the way they treat people. They make the decisions, and then try to persuade people that this is the best course of action.

Good points

• People generally feel less dominated than with an authoritarian manager.
• Some people may like this level of control and care.

Bad points

• Some people may resent the manager, as they are not treated as adults.
• The manager may feel hurt if people fail, as if they have been ‘let down’.

With a consulting manager, people are welcome to contribute ideas, suggestions etc, and the manager discusses these and then makes the decision.

Good points

• People feel involved.
• People feel part of a team, and feel valued.

Bad points

• People may resent decisions if their own suggestions were unsuccessful.
• People may try to challenge the manager’s decision.

With a democratic manager, the manager and others all take part in work. Decisions are made by the whole group,and the manager agrees to abide by these, as long as they are within any boundaries or constraints imposed by the workplace and/or organisation.

Good points

• Individuals feel enthusiastic, and tend to take responsibility readily.
• Communication and teamwork are good.

Bad points

• The manager needs to have complete confidence in people.
• The manager can lose control.

With a delegative style, the delegating manager sets limits, and gives problems, work etc to others, who refer back on difficulties, but otherwise take on the entire task as their own.

Good points

• Work is efficient.
• Individuals are given experience of a wide variety of work.

Bad points

• Individuals may feel overburdened with responsibility.
• The manager may not be available to help when problems arise.

Being an abdicator, the manager abdicates – opts out – by becoming so involved in their own work that others are left to their own devices. Often, managers do this because they mistakenly think they are delegating.

Good points

• The manager is free to get on with their own work.

Bad points

• People blame the manager, even when it is their own fault.
• Work is poor, morale is low, and people feel frustrated and resentful.