Autocratic leaders like to have complete control over tasks and do not expect teams and individuals to have a say in the process or end goal. Although this style can be seen as bossy and dictating, in some situations it may be the best way to ensure a task is completed as intended with the end goal reached within the time frame. In a crisis, the autocratic style can be hugely advantageous if other people are disoriented and unsure of what actions to take. Autocratic leadership may not work well when managing employees who are more creative and prefer to have some input into decision making, but conversely, it can be ideal when dealing with those who have a more compliant mindset and are more willing to follow set guidelines.

Visionary leaders encourage team cohesion and are passionate about business growth, finding common goals for everyone to work towards together. Visionary leaders are often highly resilient and self-confident with the ability to think strategically. They may find it easier to gain employees’ trust than their autocratic counterparts and are able to communicate in an effective and engaging way. However, they may see a lack of productivity if their employees respond better to clear direction rather than collaborative working. Visionary leaders can also focus too much on the bigger picture with too much emphasis on future goals and growth, which can prevent them from keeping their full attention on the challenges and situations currently at hand.

Democratic leaders can be considered a mix of Autocratic and Visionary. This type of leader listens to others and values their opinions highly. However, they are ultimately most likely to make the final decision themselves. Democratic leaders can be less confident than Visionary leaders, relying on the input of others to help them come to a conclusion. This leadership style may lead to higher productivity, good staff motivation and better team cohesion. It allows space for creative thinking and diverse opinions, however if too many dominant voices are allowed to hold sway during discussions, quieter team members may feel unappreciated if other opinions override them. Finding the balance that caters for the entire team’s needs and views therefore remains a challenge for the Democratic leader.