Autocratic Leaders

Also called: Authoritarian, Coercive, or Commanding Leadership

Autocratic leadership is the inverse of democratic leadership. In this leadership style, the leader makes decisions without taking input from anyone who reports to them.

Autocratic leadership is typically characterized by:

• Centralized decision-making.

• Direct and top-down communication.

• Minimal delegation.

• Limited autonomy for team members.

• Emphasis on hierarchy and status.

• Resistant to feedback or criticism.

This style is most useful when a business needs to control specific situations, not as a standalone leadership style. For instance, it can be effective in emergency or crisis situations where quick and decisive action is necessary.

Why This Leadership Style Works

Autocratic leaders carry out strategies and directives with absolute focus.

So, when a situation calls for it, an authoritative leader can make a quick best-fit decision for a business without needing to get additional input (helpful on a case-by-case basis).

This type of leadership is most effective when a company makes difficult decisions that don’t benefit from additional input from others who aren’t fully knowledgeable on the subject.

Responsible parties can make a decision and give employees a clear sense of direction, and it can also make up for a lack of experience on a team.

Potential Challenges

Most organizations can’t sustain such a authoritarian culture without losing employees, which can significantly lower morale and creative problem-solving.

An example of authoritative leadership gone bad could be when a manager changes the hours of work shifts for employees without consulting anyone.

Other challenges with autocratic leaders include:

• Intimidation.

• Micromanagement.

• Over-reliance on a single leader.