3.2 Leadership Styles

Leadership

  • Discussion: Understanding the difference between a manager and a leader.

Difference Between Manager and Leader

Manager

  • Role: Organizer

  • Authority: Holds authority due to position in hierarchy; acts as the boss.

  • Responsibilities:

    • Organizes and monitors team activities such as planning and reporting.

    • Has defined objectives and works towards achieving them.

Leader

  • Role: Motivator

  • Authority: Accepts authority from group members who recognize them as leaders.

  • Responsibilities:

    • Proposes and influences team members to achieve a common vision.

    • Motivates and drives the team towards its goals.

Examples of Good Leaders

Recognized Leaders

  • Mary Barra: Chairwoman and CEO of GM; first female CEO of a major global automaker.

  • Indra Nooyi: Former Chairwoman and CEO of Pepsi.

  • Sheryl Sandberg: First woman to serve on Facebook’s Board of Directors.

Female Leadership in Canada

  • Statistics:

    • ~50% of Canadian workforce is female.

    • 5% of Canadian CEOs are female.

    • 20% of Boards of Directors are female.

    • 25% of Vice Presidents are female.

    • 56% of university diplomas are earned by females.

Disparity Between Male and Female Leaders

Reasons for Disparity

  • Stereotypes: Unfortunate societal stereotypes about women.

  • Pregnancy concerns: Women face challenges in employment due to family planning.

  • Domestic Responsibilities: Women often take on housework roles.

  • Lack of Role Models: Insufficient representation of women in leadership positions.

  • Perceptions of Femininity: Women seen as aggressive may face social penalties.

  • Sexism: Systemic barriers in advancement opportunities.

  • Job Choices: Women may opt for jobs with fewer leadership opportunities and potentially lower pay.

Leaders: Born or Made?

  • Debate: Leaders are definitely made through experience and development.

Leadership Styles

Overview of Six Leadership Styles:

  1. Commanding Leadership Style

    • Focuses on authority with immediate execution.

    • Actions include giving direct orders and setting clear standards.

  2. Pacesetting Leadership Style

    • Sets the performance tempo.

    • Actions include teaching by example and insisting on excellence.

  3. Democratic Leadership Style

    • Seeks opinions from employees, valuing their input.

    • Actions include sharing decision-making and recognizing good performance.

  4. Visionary Leadership Style

    • Charismatic and unites employees under a common vision.

    • Actions include preparing vision speeches and providing feedback.

  5. Coaching Leadership Style

    • Aims to improve individual capabilities and performance.

    • Actions include setting goals and identifying strengths and weaknesses.

  6. Affiliative Leadership Style

    • Focuses on team cohesion and communication.

    • Actions include providing social activities and recognizing personal contributions.