Sharing Leadership

Five styles of leadership are:

1. Telling (or ordering).
• The leader alone identifies the problem, makes the decisions, and directs the activities.
• The style may or may not involve the opinions of the group members.
2. Persuading (or selling).
• The leader still makes the decision.
• The leader must "sell" the decision to the group to get cooperation.
3. Consulting.
• Group members participate and provide input.
• The leader still makes the final decision, usually based on group suggestion.
4. Delegating.
• The leader identifies the problem, sets rules, and then turns the problem over to the group or one of its members.
• The leader accepts the decision of the group if it falls within the boundaries and guidelines established.
• While authority may be delegated, the responsibility must remain with the leader.
5. Joining.
• The leader steps down as leader and joins the group.
• The leader agrees in advance to abide by the group's decisions.

No single leadership style is "best."

• Each style depends on the situation, experience of the group members, and tasks to be done.
• As leadership styles move from telling to joining, the leaders authority decreases and the group's participation increases.
• Selecting the appropriate style of leadership is an act of leadership based on the nature of the situation and the ability and experience of the group members.