Zhukova T.V., English language advisor. The significance of leadership styles is analyzed in the article

The significance of leadership styles is analyzed in the article. Some leadership styles and core leadership theories are formulated. The pros and cons of each leadership styles are considered.

У статті аналізується значення стилю керівництва. Сформульовані деякі стилі керівництва та основні теорії лідерства. Розглядаються плюси і мінуси кожного стилю керівництва.

From Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill to Martin Luther King and Steve Jobs, there can seem to be as many ways to lead people as there are leaders.

Fortunately, businesspeople and psychologists have developed useful, simple ways to describe the main styles of leadership.

By understanding these styles and their impact, you can develop your own approach to leadership and become a more effective leader.

Now, we'll look at common leadership theories:

1. Trait theories argue that effective leaders share a number of common personality characteristics, or «traits.»

2. Behavioral theories focus on how leaders behave. He argued that there are two types of leaders: Autocratic and Democratic leaders.

3. Contingency theories try to predict which style is best in which circumstance.

4. Power and influence theories are based on the different ways that leaders use power and influence to get things done.

Now, we'll look the main leadership styles:

Transactional leadership

This leadership style starts with the idea that team members agree to obey their leader when they accept a job.

The leader has a right to «punish» team members if their work doesn't meet an appropriate standard.

Autocratic leadership

Staff and team members have little opportunity to make suggestions, even if these would be in the team's or the organization's best interest.

Autocratic leadership is often best used in crises, when decisions must be made quickly and without dissent.

Bureaucratic leadership

Bureaucratic leaders work «by the book.» They follow rules rigorously, and ensure that their people follow procedures precisely.

Much of the time, bureaucratic leaders achieve their position because of their ability to conform and to uphold rules, not because of their qualifications or expertise.

Charismatic leadership

A charismatic leadership style can resemble transformational leadership because these leaders inspire enthusiasm in their teams and are energetic in motivating others to move forward.

Сharismatic leadership carries great responsibility, and it needs a long-term commitment from the leader.

Democratic leadership

Democratic leaders make the final decisions, but they include team members in the decision-making process.

They encourage creativity, and team members are often highly engaged in projects and decisions.

Transformational leadership

This style of leadership is about implementing new ideas. These individuals continually change themselves; they stay flexible and adaptable; and continually improve those around them.

Transformation leadership is often the best leadership style to use in business situations.

So, we'll lookthe pros and cons of each leadership style.

Table 1