Personality and leadership styles

Question 1

Introvert

Answer 1

People who get their energy and emotion from within themselves. How introverts communicate. They hesitate before sharing personal information, are very private and protective of their emotions, thoughts and feelings. They need time to think before they respond, as such can be slow to react and they prefer communicating one to one. They prefer written over verbal communication. Introverts on the other hand, thrive in unique situations on their own. An introvert generally has trouble meeting and talking with strangers, but they are good at building deep connections with people by listening, understanding and appearing calm.

Question 2

Extrovert

Answer 2

People who get their energy and emotion from the world and people around them. How extroverts communicate- they willingly and openly share information and ideas with others. They need constant attention from those around them. They are good at public communication such as speeches and presentations. They are often the manager, leader or organiser of the group. Extroverts thrive in situations that require quick responses. An extroverted person tends to focus on the present moment. These people prefer to be around others or doing some other social activity, instead of reading or sitting at a computer.

Question 3

Leadership

Answer 3

The goal of leadership is to bring about change and growth in an individual’s thoughts, feelings, attitudes or behaviours due to their interaction with another individual or the group. Leaders inspire people to become a better version of themselves and at times to put the group needs before their personal needs. Leadership involves promoting open communication, active listening skils, cooperation, empathy and coordinating efforts toward common goals.

Question 4

Autocratic

Answer 4

Often referred to as authoritarian or dictator, the leader makes decisions without consulting others. In Lewin’s experiments, he found that this caused the most level of discontent. An autocratic style works in cases where leadership is regarding young children who do not have the capacity to make educated input or when there is no need for input in the decision.

Question 5

Democratic

Answer 5

The democratic style is a collaborative style of leadership where the leader involves the people in the decision-making. The process for the final decision may vary from the leader having the final say to the group facilitating consensus or voting. Democratic decision-making is usually appreciated by the people. Even if the leader makes the final decision, people in the group feel heard and are content that they were allowed to express their opinion.

Question 6

Laissez-faire

Answer 6

Can also be referred to as casual leadership. The laissez-faire style minimises the leader’s involvement in decision-making. The leader allows the people to make their own decisions, unlike the democratic style the group does not necessarily have to come to consensus or act as a united front. This can often cause disunity. Laissez-faire works best when people are capable and motivated in making their own decisions and where there is no requirement for a central co-ordination.