Autocratic Leadership: 5 Traits of Autocratic Leadership
Autocratic leadership leaves little room for delegating, creative problem-solving, or employee input. However, it can be an effective leadership style in environments that require decisive action.
What Is Autocratic Leadership?
Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a management style in which little to no input from employees is requested in decision-making processes. The autocratic leadership style is a top-down leadership approach in which upper-management or a central leader has the final say on all business-related decisions. The autocratic style stands in stark contrast to several other types of leadership, including laissez-faire leadership, democratic leadership, and transformational leadership, in which team members are granted a greater degree of influence on business-related decisions.
5 Characteristics of Autocratic Leadership
There are several notable characteristics that have come to define the autocratic leadership style in workplace environments.
1. Top-down decision-making: Group members have little to no input on decisions. Team members are not entrusted with important choices.
2. Rigid work environment: Strict rules can create an uptight environment.
3. Minimal teamwork among coworkers: With clearly defined tasks and hierarchies, collaboration may not be rewarded or encouraged.
4. Less need to take initiative: Acting outside of your specific job description is typically frowned upon in an autocratic workplace.
5. Few mentorship opportunities: Autocratic leaders are typically not available for mentoring, and leadership roles are kept separate from the workforce.
3 Potential Benefits of Autocratic Leadership
Though it may not be the most popular, the autocratic leadership style can work in certain environments.
1. Decisive leadership: Autocratic leadership works best in environments where quick, authoritative leadership is needed to make difficult or complex decisions. For instance, an air traffic control tower or military base may benefit from autocratic leaders.
2. Efficient crisis management: Crisis often calls for quick decision-making. When a company is facing an urgent need, authoritarian leaders are able to quickly make decisions without consulting a group of people.
3. Sets clear expectations: The authoritarian style sets clear expectations for employees to follow. In addition, since there is a single group leader, the chain of command is unmistakable.
3 Potential Drawbacks of Autocratic Leadership
There are several drawbacks to consider regarding the autocratic style of leadership.
1. Autocracies create rigid work environments. Though rules and expectations may be clear, autocratic leadership can make work environments feel cold and unwelcoming.
2. Autocratic structures can inhibit employee potential. Autocratic environments limit the potential of employees by restricting their ability to think creatively and share feedback.
3. Autocratic systems can hurt employee morale. Employees may be less likely to enjoy their job if they feel that their voices are not important.