Democratic leadership is a type of leadership that characterized by equal participation to all members of a team. All members of a team have a room to contribute their ideas, opinions as well as make decisions. This is a highly recommended type of leadership since it encourages team work, motivation and creativity. Democratic leaders tend to collaborate with their teams in making decisions. However, still leaders can make final decisions on their own. Democratic leadership style is the best for the teams involved with problem solving and decision-making.
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What is Democratic leadership?
The word democracy comes from two ancient Greek words, "demos" which means "the people" and "cratos" which means "to rule". Literary, Democracy means "run by people".
According to Abraham Lincoln the former president of United States (1861-1865) once said, " democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people".
- Of the people: means the government is made up by the people who come from the people.
- By the people: means those who make up government (the leaders) are chosen by people.
- For the people: means the government is for serving the people.
By definition, democratic leadership refers to a leadership style in which every member of a team has a right to contribute and make decision. Democratic leadership is also commonly referred to as participative or participatory leadership.
Characteristics of Democratic leadership
Collaboration
Creativity
Engagement
Involvement of all team members in making decisions regardless of their education level, positions and status.
You can also read: Laissez-faire Leadership Style: Meaning, Characteristics, When to use, Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Democratic leadership
1. Helps to get creative solution to problems
Democratic leadership style involves contribution of ideas and opinions from all team members. This can help a team to get a pool of best ideas that can help them to come up with the best solution to the problems.
2. Boosts working morale and productivity
Team members led by democratic leader usually feel involved and valued, this can boost their working morale and increase productivity in a team.
3. Builds good relationship between leaders and their subordinates
Democratic leaders collaborate with their team members to find out the solution to problems and make decisions. This not only build good relationship amongst team members but also build good relationship between leaders and the members they lead.
Disadvantages of democratic leadership
It can be time consuming: This style of leadership involves inputs from all members of the group, it may take long time to collect opinions and ideas as well as discussing them to come up with final decision. In this case, this style of leadership is only good when there is enough time for discussion. It may not be good in a situation where quick decisions are required.
When does Democratic style work best?
Democratic style is good when a team has enough time for discussion. It also works best when a team performs tasks or projects that require innovative ideas. But also leaders who want to encourage collaboration to their groups, this style can suit their needs.
This style of leadership is not good when time is limited, where no time for discussion. Don't apply this style the moment when tasks are required to be done very quickly.
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