How Leaders Are Leading In The 21st Century Essay

How Leaders Are Leading In The 21st Century - Essay Example Otherwise, it should be rarely utilized as it greatly undercuts existing job satisfaction and staff morale. Pace setting as a style enables the leadership set the trend/ pace on which the staff can emulate. However, it should be used sparingly as it often leads to loss of morale and the ‘poisoning’ of the working climate. Democratic leadership style draws upon the prevailing workforce skill-sets, knowledge and expertise thus creating both individual and group commitment to set goals. It is most optimal in situational contexts where the organizational direction envisaged is unclear necessitating collective input. However, it is disastrous during periods of crisis that require urgent decision-making (Martindale, 2011). In affiliative style, the emphasis is placed upon teamwork thereby creating group harmony. It is essential in improving communication, teamwork, morale, harmony, and trust. This style is best used in a complementary manner with either of the other five. Coaching as a style focuses on the development of through one-on-one relationships. Through improvement of individual performance, optimal conditions for teamwork are achieved eventually helping connect individual goals to those of the organization as a whole. Care should be taken to strive in highlighting restraint, as this may be negatively perceived as equating to the micro-management of employees (Zhu, Irene & William, 2005). This may eventually undermine their self-confidence thereby negatively affecting their morale and overall output.