3.4 Observational Exercise
Leadership Styles
Purpose
1. To become aware of authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire styles of leadership
2. To compare and contrast these three styles
Directions
1. From all of the coaches, teachers, music directors, or managers you have had in the past
10 years, select one who was authoritarian, one who was democratic, and one who was
laissez-faire.
Authoritarian leader (name) ______________________________________________
Democratic leader (name) ________________________________________________
Laissez-faire leader (name) _______________________________________________
2. On another sheet of paper, briefly describe the unique characteristics of each of these leaders.
Questions
1. What differences did you observe in how each leader tried to influence you?
2. How did the leaders differ in their use of rewards and punishments?
3. What did you observe about how others reacted to each leader?
4. Under which leader were you most productive? Why?

3.5 Reflection and Action Worksheet
Leadership Styles
Reflection
1. As you reflect on the assumptions of Theory X and Theory Y, how would you describe your own
philosophy of leadership?
2. Of the three styles of leadership (authoritarian, democratic, and laissez-faire), what style comes
easiest for you? Describe how people respond to you when you use this style.
3. One of the aspects of democratic leadership is to help followers take responsibility for
themselves. How do you assess your own ability to help others help themselves?
Action
1. If you were to try to strengthen your philosophy of leadership, what kinds of changes would you
have to make in your assumptions about human nature and work?
2. As you look at your results on the Leadership Styles Questionnaire, what scores would you like
to change? What would you have to do to make those changes?
3. List three specific activities you could use to improve your leadership style.
4. If you make these changes, what impact will this have on others?