Myron Rush wrote one of the finest books about leadership. In “The New Leader,” Rush details some the varying approaches to management that have developed over the decades. Here’s a brief recap of the author’s take on the most popular and influential leadership styles, plus some information about how the IRD Glass leadership structure has helped us become a sole-source provider to small and midsize companies as well as large corporations across the globe.
Dictatorial
When the leader makes every decision regarding how, when, where, what, and why things are done, and demands to have the final say on who does them, they may be following the dictatorial style of leadership. These managerial types typically lay down severe discipline when employees fail to follow direction.
The basic traits of a dictator manager are: holds unrealistic demands, is prone to excessive punishment, rejects others who question their authority or decision making.
Dictators can be more passive sometimes. When they are, the typical traits would be: subtle discipline, permits questions but ignores them, shrouds unrealistic demands in humor
Authoritative
Few leaders can get away with the extreme nature of the dictatorial style for long. Most toward that end of the spectrum opt for a management style that could be more accurately be described as authoritative.
Authoritative leaders are: slow to allow others to take on decision-making responsibilities, quick to assume they are the most experienced and qualified, critical of dissenters, adverse to handing out recognition, easily offended, and highly competitive.
An authoritarian’s biggest weakness is the failure to accept the abilities and skills of their subordinates. They often reduce the efficiency of their organizations by limiting others’ opportunities to act autonomously.
However, authoritarians do tend to produce well when the heat is really on them.
Autonomous
Few managers feel comfortable with the autonomous style of leadership. In this type of management, most, if not all, authority is handed over to the team. The manager retains status as team leader but trusts the team to take more responsibility in decision making.
Autonomous leadership involves: seeing team members as equal to leaders, balanced input accepted from all levels of the staff, the manager taking on a role of player/coach, a culture of innovation, a focus on creativity stimulation.
IRD Glass: Unparalleled Precision Optical Components
At IRD Glass, our cell-based manufacturing approach utilizes the best aspects of autonomous leadership to achieve unparalleled customization and accuracy for high volume runs as well as test-run orders. Every one of our partners receives floor space, equipment, and employees dedicated to their project. To learn more about our process and our precision optical components, visit our homepage today!