Title: Different styles of leading a team
Course: Health Management, Ethics and Research - Ethiopia (Full)

Different styles of leading a team

There are three main styles of leading a team: autocratic, anarchic and democratic. Box 4.3 shows some characteristics of each of these styles.

Box 4.3 Styles of leadership

Autocratic: 'Do what I say'

Anarchic: 'Do what you like'

Democratic: 'Let us agree on what we are to do'

Autocratic leaders tend to be dictatorial, saying for example 'Do what you are told, and don't ask questions!' Anarchic leaders tend to say things like, 'I don't care what you do, so long as you keep out of my way!' Democratic leaders are consultative and take advice from their team, saying things such as, 'These are the goals we have to achieve. Let us agree how best to work together.'

Think about the leadership style that might be most effective when working with health teams in your community. Which style do you think it would be best to adopt?

Show answer

A consultative or democratic style is most suitable for any team work that demands creativity and community involvement. Effective Health Extension Practitioners have a democratic style and help to build teams that are happy and hard working.