There are various types of leaders.

Some are dominating, while others are collaborative and motivating. However, leaders who choose centralized decision-making and those who dictate more, and listen less, suffocate their people.

Teams struggle to realize their full potential under an autocratic leader.

There has long been disagreement over whether this leadership style is effective. Leading a workforce with an autocratic leadership style has pros and cons...

What is Autocratic/Dictator Leadership?

Individualism-focused leadership is a characteristic of autocratic leadership. Managers who typically rely on their own opinions and judgment when making choices might not value the counsel provided by their team.

They prefer to autonomously set their goals, strategy, tactics, and procedures. Autocratic leaders and managers have complete authority over their staff. This type of leadership is often associated with dictators or bossy people.

Why is Choice Important for Employees?

When managers dictate everything to their employees, it leads to low employee morale. Most employees leave their jobs because they feel underappreciated. Autocrats don’t value their team members or their suggestions. Sometimes these so-called leaders will be credited for the team's success, which demoralizes their people.

Some employees want to add creative thinking to a team project and may not like a dictating leadership style. Managers who don’t allow their employees and team members a say in the decision-making stifle innovation and unconventional ideas. Employees who work in this environment may feel oppressed. The end result is an unsatisfied workforce.

Dictating Leaders Create a Dependency System

When a leader orders everything and manages decisions independently, employees depend on them to execute every task. It creates a dependent workforce where employees have minimal to no authority to decide independently.

Your employees will end up deeding you for every small task they carry out. They stop using their abilities and skills and depend entirely on you to help them decide what they should do and how they should do it.

Dependent leadership cultures function under the assumption that those in authority are in charge of managing and dictating to subordinates.

Influence of Leader on the Behavior of Employees

Managers have a significant impact on the success of a firm and its employees. Employees look up to them for direction, mentoring, support, and feedback, and those who fall short in even one of these areas jeopardize employee satisfaction and the company’s overall reputation in the business world.

• Managers influence how employees engage with one another and communicate with their team members.
• They see their leader and gain confidence in opening up and sharing their ideas regarding a project.
• Managers who are prepared to offer job skills training to their team will develop a more knowledgeable and effective workforce.
• Being open to ongoing education demonstrates a leader’s willingness to get the best out of their team, which generally boosts morale.

Summing Up

As a manager, it is simple to communicate with your team members before making a decision. Include them. You have an opportunity to significantly impact your employees; it is up to you what kind of future leader you raise in your workforce.