Good leadership is essential to make any employee feel valued at work. If, on the other hand, your manager’s traits are making your life a misery, you’ll need our guide on how to deal with it! By handling each style of management correctly, it won’t be long until it’s you giving the orders!
DIRECTIVE
Directive management is controversial as it limits employees’ autonomy. However, the advantage is that a crisis can be solved quickly. In fact, the manager has everything under control and does not fear the challenge, they know when to apply drastically measures. This is why he’s also demanding with his staff and not very flexible.
If this is your boss, make sure to be very organised, write reports and get work done so your manager always knows what you’re doing. The employee stands out in this work environment is the one who is good at applying instructions, who has a strong sense of discipline and good ability for managing stress.
AUTHORITATIVE
Steve Jobs was well-known for his authoritative management style. The success of Apple shows that, despite his rigour towards his teams, he knew how to generate enthusiasm and to make people excel at what they were doing. An authoritative manager gives long term and clear directions which means that you will never stay in the blur.
It’s important for you to stay positive and enthusiastic even after negative feedbacks, your boss might not be as mean as they’re coming across, they could be just trying to push you further! He will be pleased if you go beyond the expectations, you will be rewarded for this behaviour. But be careful to compartmentalise your life and not let work invade your personal time!
AFFILIATIVE
An affiliative manager is quite the opposite and dedicates a lot of importance to create harmony in the team by always putting people first. Your manager is a protector when tensions appear as he always tries to avoid conflicts and seeks for staff happiness.
Your work environment promotes support and dedication. Learn as much as you can from more experienced colleagues at work. You will be appreciated by returning the favour, so always try to help your workmates and be the one that contributes to create a good vibe: organise team buildings for example.
PARTICIPATIVE
Your boss uses democratic process? No wonder he/she expects commitment and consensus in return. As everybody got a voice in your team, take the opportunity to raise yours and you’ll withdraw recognition for your input. Be cooperative with your manager by volunteering for new projects. You will stand out by being proactive. However, you have to show autonomy and not to take too much advantage of the freedom that you will be given.
The CEO of Virgin, Richard Branson, said in 2014 to the BBC: "We should focus on what people get done, not on how many hours or days worked. Just as we don't have a nine-to-five policy, we don't need a vacation policy." He gave unlimited vacation to his staff… do you recognise your manager’s generosity in this profile? If so, just enjoy but be fair and reliable.
PACESETTING
Your manager can be seen as a representative figure of success in his business. It’s a nice feeling to be inspired by your boss but remember that he has high expectations as well. You will be recognised for taking actions and coming with innovative ideas. Make sure to highlight your added value and initiatives. This work environment fits you perfectly if you are the one with self-direction and self-motivation. Make sure to compromise for your team as well and focus on most important tasks.
Bill Gates, knew how to take advantage of the business with this pacesetting mode. He focused on collaborative relationships in order to make the success of Microsoft. Creativity, self-motivation and team spirit are the keys to succeed here.
COACHING
A coach helps his employees to develop their strength. He knows how to motivate teams and builds a great work environment. If you have a coach manager jump onto opportunities and you’ll benefit from quick professional evolution. You will become a key element in your company if you set your self-development toward a specific area of the business. Become an expert and you will boost your career really quickly. However, you need to identify your own career expectations and let your manager know what skills you want to develop.
