A true leader adopts diverse leadership attributes; varying in their leadership styles. Many managers allow their personality to influence their leadership style as opposed to their management objectives. Be it a seasoned executive or new manager one must realize that leadership styles are sometimes difficult to define.

Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating people. The most common methods are autocratic, democratic, and free reign. Research has shown that the most talented leaders incorporate all three styles, and incompetent leaders allow one style to dominate completely.

Precise and conclusive defines the autocratic management style. By making all the decisions the autocratic leader bares all the responsibility. These leadership attributes are most appropriate when there are restrictions on time, you have motivated employees, and you have adequate information to solve the problem. I urge you to use the autocratic leadership style only when you have too.

Democratic leadership is an all inclusive form of decision making. By involving the employees in the decision making process, the democratic style raises morale and give the employees a sense of ownership in the project. However, this style has less structure than autocratic leadership. Many times you will have multiple points of view on certain topics that cause conflict, and this slows down the decision-making process. Your employees will undoubtedly respect your confidence in them for including them in the decision making process. Incorporating Democratic leadership attributes provide the leader with as wider perspective allowing them to make better decisions, while building team morale by involving team members in the decision making process.

The hands off manager delegates most of his responsibility to his team members; he basically gives them total control of the project; however, he still is the overseer. It would be ideal to illustrate leadership attributes of this nature if your workers are able to analyze work situations, can generalize what needs to be done, and know how to do it. The manager must delegate and set priorities because everything is not for them to do.

The results you want to achieve should be the deciding factor in finding the appropriate leadership style. A true leader gets the most out of his group. They provide proper training and development by providing a model of consistent policies and practices. It is best to use all three leadership styles; even though each individual is naturally suited to a certain leadership qualities. The most important thing is deciding what is appropriate for your team members and your business.