Business studies: Leadership Styles

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Questions and Answers

In what scenario is an autocratic leadership style most effective?

  • When aiming for high job satisfaction and morale above all else.
  • When fostering a highly creative environment.
  • When quick decision-making is crucial in crisis situations. (correct)
  • When team members have significant experience and expertise.

A democratic leader makes decisions independently, without seeking input from the team.

False (B)

Which leadership style involves team members in the decision-making process?

Democratic

An autocratic leadership style can be seen to lower team ____ due to lack of involvement.

<p>morale</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the leadership style with its characteristic:

<p>Autocratic = Leader makes decisions with no input from the team. Democratic = Leader involves team members in the decision-making process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenarios is democratic leadership most effective?

<p>When working on complex projects requiring diverse expertise. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A significant disadvantage of democratic leadership is that it always leads to faster decision-making processes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a transformational leader?

<p>inspiring and motivating teams to achieve a shared vision</p> Signup and view all the answers

Transformational leadership is especially useful when launching new, _______ products or services.

<p>innovative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the leadership style with its primary characteristic:

<p>Democratic = Shared responsibility and diverse ideas Transformational = Inspires a shared vision and growth Laissez-Faire = Minimal guidance and independent work</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which leadership style is characterized by minimal guidance and allows for independent work?

<p>Laissez-Faire (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Transactional leadership focuses primarily on long-term vision and employee growth.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what type of environment is the Laissez-Faire leadership style most effective?

<p>creative or research-oriented</p> Signup and view all the answers

A leadership style based on exchanges between leaders and followers is known as ______ leadership.

<p>transactional</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which leadership style may NOT stimulate creativity and innovation?

<p>Transactional (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Great leaders should stick to one leadership style, no matter the situation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a situation requiring clear structure and quick results, which leadership style would be MOST suitable?

<p>Transactional (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a project?

<p>Static with no changes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Project management primarily focuses on minimizing communication with stakeholders to avoid confusion.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the four key steps involved in project management.

<p>Planning, Executing, Monitoring, Closing</p> Signup and view all the answers

A project is a __________ endeavor to create a unique product, service, or result.

<p>temporary</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of project management?

<p>To deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributed to the Denver International Airport (DIA) project failure?

<p>Scope creep and technical challenges. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Effective project management is not critical for aligning projects with organizational goals.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each stage of project management with its description:

<p>Planning = Defining objectives and creating a roadmap Executing = Carrying out the tasks outlined in the project plan Monitoring = Tracking progress and performance Closing = Formalizing project completion and documenting outcomes</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of project management, what is the primary role of a project manager?

<p>Leading the team, planning activities, managing resources, communicating with stakeholders, and monitoring progress. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Scope creep refers to the project manager's intentional addition of features to the project based on their knowledge.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name the three elements of the Project Management Triangle.

<p>Scope, Time, and Cost</p> Signup and view all the answers

The step in project management that involves defining the project and obtaining approval is known as ______.

<p>Initiating</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Project Management Triangle, how does increasing the project scope typically affect the timeline and budget, assuming quality is to be maintained?

<p>Generally extends the timeline and increases the budget. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Effective communication is not important for project stakeholders, as long as the project stays within budget and on schedule.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demonstrates a risk underestimation in project management?

<p>Ignoring potential challenges associated with new technologies, leading to over-reliance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following steps in project management with their descriptions:

<p>Initiating = Defining project and obtaining approval Planning = Developing project plan and schedule Executing = Carrying out project work Monitoring and Controlling = Tracking progress and making adjustments</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is the Waterfall model most appropriate?

<p>A construction project with well-defined requirements and minimal expected changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Agile methodology is characterized by its rigid, sequential approach to project management, emphasizing strict adherence to initial plans.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Scrum Master within the Scrum methodology?

<p>To lead small teams through sprints and facilitate continuous improvement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Scrum, work is divided into short cycles called ______.

<p>sprints</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the project management methodologies with their key characteristics:

<p>Waterfall = Sequential and linear approach, suitable for projects with clear, unchanging requirements. Agile = Flexible and iterative, emphasizing collaboration and adaptation to change. Scrum = Uses short cycles called sprints and sprint retrospectives for continuous improvement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key advantage of using Agile methodology in software development projects?

<p>It allows for easy adaptation to evolving user needs and market trends through iterative development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Waterfall model is ideal for projects where stakeholder involvement is high and changes are expected frequently throughout the development cycle.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a 'sprint retrospective' in Scrum methodology?

<p>To review the team's performance during the sprint and identify improvements for future sprints.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is most suitable for using the Kanban methodology?

<p>A software maintenance team needing real-time communication and transparency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lean methodology primarily focuses on eliminating physical waste in the manufacturing process and does not extend to other wasteful practices in project management.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Lean methodology?

<p>maximize customer value while minimizing waste</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Critical Path Methodology helps determine the ______ possible time to complete the project.

<p>shortest</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following methodologies with their core characteristics:

<p>Waterfall = Linear and structured approach best for well-defined projects Agile = Iterative and flexible approach ideal for evolving requirements Scrum = Uses fixed-length sprints and has prescribed roles Kanban = Has continuous flow and is more flexible with roles</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which project characteristic makes Waterfall methodology a good fit?

<p>Clearly defined requirements and a stable project scope. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Scrum, Kanban boards are reset after each sprint, similar to Scrum boards.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major components of Gantt chart?

<p>tasks; timeline</p> Signup and view all the answers

Combining Lean principles with Critical Path Methodology can lead to ______ , streamlined projects.

<p>optimized</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information is visually represented by the bars in a Gantt chart?

<p>Task duration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a primary area of impact for project risks?

<p>Employee Satisfaction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Risk management only focuses on avoiding negative impacts on a project.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one method used to identify potential risks in a project.

<p>Brainstorming Sessions</p> Signup and view all the answers

__________ assessment categorizes risks based on their severity and probability of occurrence.

<p>Qualitative</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which risk mitigation strategy involves shifting the risk to a third party?

<p>Transfer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Choosing a proven technology rather than an experimental one is an example of which risk mitigation strategy?

<p>Avoidance (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each type of risk with its description:

<p>Technical Risks = Potential failures of systems or applications due to bugs or hackers. Resource Risks = Insufficient labor, funding, or facilities to support the project. Stakeholder Risks = Conflicting interests or expectations among project stakeholders. External Risks = Adverse policies, strict regulations, or natural disasters affecting the project.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Monte Carlo simulation is a qualitative risk assessment technique.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST important reason for properly closing a project?

<p>To document lessons learned for future projects. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Informing stakeholders is a step that is completed before handing over deliverables and documentation during project closure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a post-project evaluation?

<p>To assess if project objectives were met</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Cost Performance Index (CPI) is a key performance indicator that offers a ratio showing costs so far versus the amount to be ______.

<p>earned</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each project closure step to its corresponding description.

<p>Complete all documentations = Ensuring all project-related records are finalized and organized. Release extra project resources = Reassigning personnel, equipment, and funds to new projects or departments. Close financial accounts = Finalizing all financial transactions and reconciling project expenses. Inform stakeholders = Notifying all interested parties that the project has been formally concluded.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is part of the 'Post-project evaluation'?

<p>Evaluating team performance and collaboration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to compare planned versus actual results during project closure?

<p>To assess the accuracy of initial estimates and identify variances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cycle time as a key performance indicator (KPI) in project management?

<p>It measures how long it takes to complete a task</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Leadership Styles

The manner in which a business is run and its impact on success.

Autocratic Leadership

A leadership style where the leader makes all decisions without team input.

Autocratic Pro

A pro of autocratic leadership is speed.

Autocratic Con

A con of autocratic leadership is it lowers morale.

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Democratic Leadership

A leadership style where the leader involves team members in decision-making.

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Diverse Ideas

A benefit of democratic leadership that leads to different perspectives being considered.

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Transformational Leadership

Leadership style that inspires a team to achieve a shared vision, focusing on personal and professional growth.

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Strong Company Culture

A benefit of transformational leadership that creates a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose within an organization.

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Laissez-Faire Leadership

Leadership style with minimal guidance, allowing team members to work independently.

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Transactional Leadership

Leadership style based on exchanges between leaders and followers. Leaders set expectations and goals, and followers receive rewards for meeting objectives or punishments for failing.

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Cons of Laissez-Faire

A leadership style that may lead to a lack of direction, missed deadlines, or conflicts due to minimal guidance.

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Cons of Transactional Leadership

A leadership style that may stifle creativity and innovation, create a culture of reward-seeking, and doesn't focus on long-term vision or employee growth.

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When to use Laissez-Faire

Use this approach in creative or research environments, or with highly experienced/self-motivated teams.

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When to use Transactional

Use this approach when requiring structure, quick results, managing large groups with repetitive tasks, or crises and short-term projects with defined goals.

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Adaptable Leadership

Adapting your leadership style to fit different situations based on the task, team experience, and urgency.

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What is a Project?

A temporary endeavor to create a unique product, service, or result.

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Project Characteristics

Temporary, Unique, Progressive, and Constrained.

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Temporary (Project)

Has a defined beginning and end.

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Unique (Project)

Produces something new or different.

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Progressive (Project)

Develops in steps.

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Constrained (Project)

Limited by time, cost, and scope.

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Project Management

The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet project requirements.

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Project Management Steps

Planning, Executing, Monitoring, and Closing.

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Poor Communication

Failure in conveying information between parties, like contractors, engineers, and airport authorities.

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Underestimated Risks

Insufficient assessment of potential problems related to new technologies.

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Project Manager Role: Lead & Motivate

Guiding and inspiring the team toward project success.

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Project Manager Role: Plan & Organize

Structuring activities for efficient project execution.

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Project Manager Role: Resources & Budget

Managing finances and materials required for the project

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Project Manager Role: Stakeholder Communication

Communicating with individuals and groups affected by the project.

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Project Manager Role: Monitor & Manage Risks

Tracking progress and addressing potential issues.

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Project Management Triangle

Scope, Time, and Cost. Altering one impacts the others.

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Waterfall Model

A structured, sequential approach where each phase must be completed before the next begins.

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When to Use Waterfall

Best when the project scope is clear, requirements are well-defined and unlikely to change.

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Agile Methodology

A flexible and iterative approach, emphasizing collaboration and rapid releases to adapt to changing needs.

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When to Use Agile

Ideal when user needs may evolve, requiring continuous updates based on feedback.

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Scrum Methodology

An Agile framework where work is done in short cycles called sprints, led by a Scrum Master.

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Scrum Focus

Focuses on splitting work into short cycles, reviewing performance, and making adjustments for continuous improvement.

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Scrum Cycle

Small teams are led by a Scrum Master for the duration of the sprint, and sprint lasts one to two weeks.

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Scrum Usage

Best for projects that want to strive for continuous improvement.

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Kanban Methodology

A project management methodology emphasizing real-time communication, capacity transparency, and continuous delivery using a visual board.

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Lean Methodology

A methodology focused on maximizing customer value while minimizing waste (muda, mura, muri).

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Critical Path Methodology

A methodology for identifying and scheduling all critical, dependent tasks to determine the shortest possible project timeline.

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Waterfall

A structured, linear project management approach, best for well-defined projects with fixed requirements.

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Agile

An iterative, flexible project management approach, ideal for projects with evolving requirements and frequent client feedback.

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Scrum

Uses fixed-length sprints, prescribed roles, and limits work per sprint.

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Kanban (vs. Scrum)

Has continuous flow, is more flexible with roles, uses persistent boards, and limits work per workflow state.

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Gantt Chart

A visual tool that shows tasks, timelines, durations, milestones, and dependencies.

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Gantt Chart Advantages

Visualizes project timeline and identifies task dependencies.

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Lean + Critical Path

Combining Lean and Critical Path Methodologies.

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Project Risks

Potential events that negatively affect project objectives like scope, time, cost, or quality.

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Common Risk Areas

Technical challenges, limited resources, stakeholder disagreements, environmental factors, and regulatory changes.

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Risk: Opportunity vs. Threat

An opportunity is a risk with a positive impact; a threat has a negative impact.

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Risk Identification Methods

Gathering the team, consulting experts, SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis, and reviewing past projects.

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Qualitative Risk Assessment

Categorizing risks by impact and probability using expert judgment.

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Quantitative Risk Assessment

Using numerical techniques to measure risk impact and probability.

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Risk Mitigation Strategies

Avoiding, transferring, mitigating (reducing impact), or accepting the risk.

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Examples of Risk Responses

Changing plans, using insurance, quality checks, and contingency plans.

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Importance of Project Closure

Ensuring all project tasks are completed, goals are met, and deliverables are handed over.

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Steps to Close Project

  1. Complete scope
  2. Document everything
  3. Hand over
  4. Inform stakeholders
  5. Review
  6. Release resources
  7. Close financials
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Post-Project Evaluation

Assesses if project objectives were met, budget was adhered to, team performance, and identifies improvements.

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Ways to Evaluate Outcomes

Surveys, interviews, analysis of metrics and KPIs, comparison of planned vs actual results.

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Cost Performance Index (CPI)

Ratio showing costs so far versus the amount to be earned.

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Budget Adjustments

How often project amounts have changed since its commencement.

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Deadline Adjustments

How often milestones have been pushed back or missed.

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Cycle Time

How much time it takes to complete a specific task.

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Study Notes

Business Leadership Styles

  • Impacts how a business runs, and its success
  • Kurt Lewin's four leadership styles: autocratic, democratic, transformational, and laissez-faire
  • Transactional is another, extra, style of leadership

Autocratic Leadership: The Commander

  • The leader makes all decisions without input from team members.
  • A clear chain of command and quick decision-making characterize this style.
  • Effective in crisis situations or with inexperienced teams like those in the military or emergency services.
  • Allows for fast decisions and clear direction.
  • Cons can include lower morale and stifled creativity.
  • May cause dependency.
  • Best used during crises or emergencies when quick decisions are crucial.
  • Suits high-risk environments where mistakes are dangerous.
  • Provides clear guidance to inexperienced teams.
  • Ensures strict compliance with rules and procedures.

Democratic Leadership: The Collaborator

  • The leader involves team members in decision-making.
  • Encourages creativity and engagement from team members, promoting higher job satisfaction and productivity.
  • Common in creative industries or innovative companies.
  • Pros include increased employee satisfaction, diverse ideas, and shared responsibility.
  • Can be time-consuming and may lead to indecision.
  • Best suited for complex projects requiring diverse expertise.
  • Used in organizations that value innovation and creativity.
  • Ideal when team members are experienced and knowledgeable.
  • Helps build trust and improve team morale.

Transformational Leadership: The Inspirator

  • Leader inspires and motivates the team towards a shared vision.
  • Focuses on personal and professional growth of team members.
  • Often used in companies undergoing significant changes, leading to high employee engagement and loyalty.
  • Inspires innovation and builds a strong company culture, leading to high employee engagement.
  • Can be emotionally draining and may neglect short-term objectives.
  • Applied when an organization needs to adapt to changing market conditions.
  • Can revitalize struggling teams or companies.
  • Ideal when launching new, innovative products or services.
  • Builds a strong, positive organizational culture.

Laissez-Faire Leadership: The Free-Rider

  • Leader provides minimal guidance, allowing team members to work independently.
  • Encourages creativity and autonomy in experienced teams, particularly in research or creative fields.
  • Requires self-motivated and skilled team members.
  • Fosters independence, creativity, and personal growth.
  • Can lead to a lack of direction, missed deadlines, and conflicts.
  • Functions best in creative or research-oriented environments.
  • Succeeds with highly experienced and self-motivated teams.
  • Suits situations where team members have specialized skills.
  • Can be used when innovation and out-of-the-box are valued,

Transactional Leadership: The Exchanger

  • Leadership style based on exchanges between leaders and followers.
  • Leaders set clear expectations and goals.
  • Rewards for meeting objectives, punishments for failing.
  • Focuses on supervision, organization, and performance.
  • Clear structure and expectations, effective for short-term goals, and works well in crisis situations.
  • May stifle creativity and innovation and create a culture of reward-seeking.
  • Doesn't focus on long-term vision or employee growth.
  • Best in situations requiring clear structure and quick results.
  • Useful when managing large groups with repetitive tasks.
  • Is effective during crises or emergencies.
  • Suited to military operations or law enforcement
  • Good for short-term projects with defined goals

Key Factors

  • Leaders adapt their style to fit different situations.
  • Consider the task, team experience, and urgency when choosing a style.
  • Flexibility is the key
  • Combining differing styles can be beneficial.

Careers and Culture

  • Tech startups often use democratic or transformational styles.
  • Manufacturing may lean toward autocratic leadership.
  • Creative agencies might prefer laissez-faire or democratic approaches.
  • Healthcare often requires a mix of styles based on the situation
  • Different cultures may prefer certain leadership styles.
  • Some cultures value hierarchy, while others prioritize consensus.

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