There are two primary goals of this style: one is generating new ideas, the other is increasing employee buy-in to the company vision.
When you here the word democratic you likely think of voting and debates this is core to this management style. A democratic manager shares decision making with team members and holds many meetings to share thoughts and ideas.
Here are some characteristics of a Democratic Manager:
- Holds many meetings where team members input is solicited
- Gives team members autonomy in directing their own actions toward accomplishing company goals
- Invites participation in setting and executing the strategy to meet departmental objectives
- Sees contributing input and participation in meetings as valuable team member contributions
- Leads whiteboarding or brainstorming sessions with the larger team as a starting point for new initiatives
- Values both experienced team member feedback and ideas from new team members with “fresh eyes”
This style is great for new managers or managers in areas where team members have knowledge equal to or greater than their own. It is also a good style to leverage when current methods aren’t working and a new solution or path forward needs to be identified. This style works well in generating new ideas and increasing adoption of larger organizational goals by team members.
Add the Democratic Management Style to your management tool box!
Cheers
Joe
