Leadership Style Quiz: Autocratic, Participative, or Laissez-Faire?

Question 1.
I don’t feel like I have to control everything.
I may be demanding at times, but I always treat my staff with respect. I want them to feel valued.
I admit I am too strict at times.

Question 2.
I rely on qualified assistants to help me run the company.
I am not particularly selective when it comes to hiring assistants. I feel like I should give everyone who applies a chance.
I do not tolerate incompetent assistants or subordinates who think they are bosses.

Question 3.
I want my team to report on every single thing that is happening in our company.
I think it’s important to allow my team members to take part in the decision-making process.
I don’t believe in micromanaging. My staff are more than capable of making decisions regarding most things.

Question 4.
To be honest, I don’t enjoy the responsibility that comes with being a leader.
I think my employees are just as responsible for our results as I am.
I am the sole decision-maker, and it’s only logical that I am entirely responsible for everything that happens in our company.

Question 5.
My team members aren’t my friends, and I don’t hesitate to give orders.
My employees don’t feel they are being ordered around. I motivate them first, then give them clear instructions to help them do the work.
I’ve always struggled with giving orders.

Question 6.
I let my employees follow tried-and-true methods and procedures on their own.
Employee proactivity can go wrong, and I prefer employees who only take my orders and do exactly what is asked of them.
I encourage my employees to take the initiative. I like those who don’t need to be told what to do.

Question 7.
When faced with a difficult situation, I consult my associates, particularly those with a lot of experience.
My employees don’t take me seriously and may sometimes give me orders.
I am competent enough to lead the company on my own.

Question 8.
Criticism is a form of input, especially when it comes from my associates.
I don’t like to be criticized, especially by my employees.
I don’t mind criticism; however, it never changes the way I do things.

Question 9.
I trust my own judgment more than that of my employees.
I consult my staff all the time.
I often allow my team to make decisions instead of me.

Question 10.
I only take advice from other leaders. I see no reason to consult my subordinates.
Group brainstorming is an excellent way to find new solutions.
Sometimes I am intimidated by my employees.

Question 11.
Having good communication with my team has always been one of my priorities.
I don’t have any particular communication goals.
I am bossy.

Question 12.
First and foremost, I am concerned about the company’s interests. Relationships come second.
I only do the absolute minimum to make the company run, and I don’t monitor my employees unless I absolutely have to.
I think employee relationships have a significant impact on company success.

Question 13.
I don’t lead well under stress.
During times of crisis, I tend to become even more bossy than usual.
I make sure to maintain the same style of engagement when faced with difficulties.

GET RESULTS

Autocratic leadership style

You are a visionary leader, and you see your team as a means to reach your goals rather than as partners or friends.

In your mind, any employee could be replaced, and the human factor should not prevent you from achieving your vision.

You might indeed be a little bossy and even rude at times, but you see yourself as a fair leader overall.

The above doesn’t mean that you never consider employee feedback; however, all decisions are made solely by you.

Consequently, you take credit for successes, but you also take the blame for failures.

To sum up,

• You are incredibly self-confident.
• You draw clear boundaries between yourself and your employees.
• You demand discipline and obedience.
• You enjoy having power and control.
• Because of your strong image, you might have difficulties admitting your mistakes.

Laissez-faire leadership style

This is a hands-off approach where the leader provides training and support; however, most decisions are made by employees.

On the plus side, it can encourage innovation and personal growth.

On the minus side, there could be issues with discipline.

In addition, some leaders could take advantage of this style to escape responsibility.

To sum up,

• You are a chill and friendly person.
• You often make friends with employees.
• You trust your staff to make important decisions and work on their own.
• You don’t like to control things.
• You don’t particularly enjoy having power, and being a leader was never important to you.

Participative leadership style

The participative leadership style is very different from both autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles.

Unlike autocratic leaders, participative leaders encourage conversation and information exchange, and then the decision is made by the leader.

Participative leaders still demand discipline, but they also encourage participation and innovation.

To sum up,

• You aren’t a hands-off type, but you aren’t a control freak either.
• You treat your staff with respect.
• You encourage participation.
• You make your team members feel valued.
• You delegate tasks.
• You share responsibility.
• You give them credit for the work they do.

You can read more about the participative leadership style here.

You may be interested in our other leadership test: Are you a leader, a follower, or a tyrant?