What is the Relationship Between Leadership Styles and Effectiveness?

What is the Relationship Between Leadership Styles and Effectiveness?

An article by Associations Now cites a survey by the American Management Association (AMA) that reveals a significant disconnect between leaders and their employees regarding perceptions of leadership styles and effectiveness. 

The report Management Styles: Are You the Manager You Think You Are? shows that organizations typically employ four management styles—autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire, and facilitative. However, leaders and employees often disagree on how these styles are applied and perceived. For example, 56% of leaders believe they use a democratic style, but only one-third of their employees agree.

This misalignment can lead to workplace tension and diminished motivation, with only 54% of employees stating they are managed in their preferred style. The pandemic has further complicated leadership, as remote and hybrid work environments demand new management skills. Despite 92% of leaders claiming they can adapt their style, only 60% of employees concur.

The report suggests that the disconnect may stem from a lack of formal leadership training; 71% of male and 64% of female leaders received such training before taking on management roles, which indicates a need for improved leadership development.

The article highlights the significance of leaders understanding their management styles to lead teams and accomplish organizational goals effectively. 34% of leaders acknowledge the necessity to enhance their capability to motivate their teams and promote employee engagement and collaboration. By gaining this insight, leaders may be better positioned to drive successful outcomes.