Contents
We are glad to welcome you, dear readers! Today we will look at the liberal management style, its advantages and disadvantages. It is also called conniving, and not every team will suit it, and in some it will be nowhere without it.
Characteristics of the liberal style
The liberal style of management implies the almost complete absence of any control over the actions of subordinates. That is, the manager initially explains the problem, creates the necessary conditions so that the team can begin to solve it and formulates the task, the result that he wants to see as a result of their activities. And he, as they say, «goes into the shadows», leaving space for action by the workers themselves.
Not included in the process, often even if he observes some mistakes or lack of inspiration, motivation. His function is now the last, decisive one — to accept and evaluate the result. But the performers themselves will have to be in «free swimming». Independently making the most optimal options, and agreeing on who will be responsible for what, as well as what algorithm of actions to take. Relationships, that is, the difficulties that have arisen, and conflicts, they also regulate independently.
The bosses themselves can only trust the conscience and devotion of the members of the working group, holding back at moments when there is an irresistible desire to get involved and make adjustments and changes.
In this case, the leader is simply obliged to establish relations with the formed leader, even if he is unpleasant to him, in order to quietly, but still, manage the process. And this requires, in addition to a high level of intelligence, also the ability to creatively approach the solution of issues in order to masterfully cope with difficulties. Intelligence is extremely necessary precisely in order to clearly formulate tasks, anticipating all events, to provide resources and conditions. And this is not easy, believe me, in the future he will not be able to actively turn on, so it is necessary to calculate everything to the smallest detail in advance.
Disadvantages
For staff
- This kind of leadership encourages anarchy. Or dividing the group into subgroups. In such cases, an informal leader necessarily appears who seizes power, and is not appointed by the leadership. And depending on his personal characteristics, the general mood and efficiency of the entire team depends.
- Not every person is able to withstand freedom in action. Therefore, there is a risk that if a conflict arises, the participants will not be able to cope with it on their own, which is why the entire planned plan of events will be in jeopardy.
- The lack of praise can reduce the motivation to act, as it is important for everyone to feel their importance. But the problem is that some need it excessively, and it is imperative for them to receive it from the outside, since they do not know how to focus on their own feelings. Why unconsciously they can create a tense environment, seeking recognition from colleagues, even sabotaging.
For the company
- Cons are also manifested in the form of passivity and relaxation of employees due to the lack of control over their activities. Not afraid of censures and reprimands from the authorities, for one simple reason — the liberal type of leadership simply does not accept them, and does not include them in its list of functions. Employees allow themselves to be frivolous in their approach to work issues and perform their duties poorly.
- Often a manager chooses a liberal position only because he does not know how to deal with conflicts, as well as regulate them. Then it becomes safer for him to isolate himself from the process, relieving himself of responsibility for the consequences. And this leads to the fact that the company simply collapses, because, in this case, for example, it was important, on the contrary, to show character and get involved in the process, tightly controlling the actions of subordinates.
- Due to the lack of motivation, the speed of work execution is significantly reduced, which may delay the delivery of the project.
- The outcome of the project mainly depends on the ambitions and aspirations for the development of the group of people involved in the work. If they don’t give a damn about career advancement, and even more so, about the reputation of their enterprise, then they will “give their best” accordingly. For example, entrusting the construction of a high-rise building to the foreman and the consciousness of workers, there is a risk of getting an emergency structure.
Example
Examples of the fact that sometimes the liberal style is harmful are such a successful corporation as Coca-Cola. It lost most of its revenue because by laying off lower-level employees, managers stopped engaging in activities, believing that this would help increase productivity.
But it turned out the opposite, and subsequently had to make a lot of effort and spend time to recover.
Advantages
For staff
- The work is of interest, as a person does what he likes and suits best, and not what is “ordered”. And you yourself know from the article about human energy, there is a lot of energy in the interest, so you will be less tired doing what gives you pleasure. Like little children, they are restless because they follow their curiosity and desires.
- With success, the feeling of satisfaction is much higher than that which a person experiences with praise. And all thanks to the realization that it was possible without clear instructions and control, having shown creativity and connecting abilities, knowledge and skills, to achieve such a result. This has a positive effect on self-esteem.
Since the most stable is an opinion about oneself, formed independently, it is on it that the personality then relies. Yes, you yourself probably know how it is to convince a slender girl that she should not go on a diet … If she thinks she is fat, then no one and nothing will affect this decision.
For the company
- The advantages are that the group as a whole and each individual individually get the opportunity to manifest themselves and reveal their potential. In such complete freedom, quite unusual and creative ideas are born that could not have arisen under other conditions.
- People themselves regulate relations among themselves and establish a clear chain of hierarchy. Why such a system becomes very stable and able to withstand many difficulties and difficulties. Even if several participants fall out in the process of work, the team will be able to cope with the project as a whole, distributing responsibilities among themselves. It can exist for many years, creating its own values, rules and traditions. There can be many managers, nothing will change from this, unlike other types of management, where when the bosses change, either most of the specialists are lost, or the quality and efficiency of the work performed change.
- There are individuals with whom it is impossible to cooperate if you do not provide freedom. And it is also impossible to refuse them, because they are valuable and capable of brilliant creations. But as soon as you try to put pressure on them, then consider that on your own, with your own hands, you sent the planned project to the trash can. So liberalism contributes to the emergence of masterpieces and discoveries, this is especially significant in the field of science and medicine.
Recommendations
- Although this type has several names, it is important to strike a balance, remaining liberal and not bringing things to complete connivance and lack of control. Therefore, be invisible in checking and observing, referring periodically to the leader of the group.
- Check out the article «Ways to develop lateral thinking», this knowledge and training will help you learn to make non-standard decisions and get out of difficult impasses.
- Most often, it is important to simply create the appearance that you have power over the employees and the process. After all, if you are honest with yourself, it becomes clear that you depend on the decisions and abilities, qualifications of a group of people, and that you can only wait and believe that they will cope. From this, a lot of stress can arise, which will then affect health, and negatively. Therefore, study the article about the methods of getting rid of stress, and put them into practice in order to maintain balance and calmness.
- To cope initially with both the leaders and the rest of the employees, so that they listen to you, you must be an authority for them. That is when you can leave the work to them. But what if the boss has low self-esteem and self-doubt? These are significant shortcomings, due to which concepts such as respect and authority will become more mythical and unrealistic. Therefore, work on yourself, and here the recommendations in the article about the best methods for achieving success will help you.
- Learn to take responsibility and resolve conflicts. This will improve the general atmosphere and add respect to you, a certain status. How to do it lightly and skillfully, you will learn here.
Conclusion
I also recommend that you familiarize yourself with other leadership styles in order to compare and determine the most suitable option, with which you will achieve the desired and planned results.
And, besides, it is important to be able to balance and maneuver between them.
People are different, and each needs a special approach so that he has the opportunity to show up and give 100 percent.
The characteristics of an authoritarian boss are described in detail in this article. I wish you success!
The material was prepared by Zhuravina Alina.