We’d all like to think our leadership style encourages morale, productivity, and sales.  But without realizing it, that leadership style might be pushing employees toward disgruntlement or opportunities with other companies.

To find out what type of leader you are, take honest stock of your management style.  Is your management style uplifting your employees or squashing their self-esteem?  Do you use one style all the time, or do you adapt to the situation?

Chances are you use one or more of the following management styles:

Flexibility.  When you adapt your approach to meet the situation and employee, you are using a flexible management style.   Types of leadership styles under this approach include coaching, commanding, and democratic.  To uplift employees, it’s critical to choose the right management style for the right circumstances.  Rather than disciplining struggling new employees for their mistakes, which could push them away, a coaching approach could help them learn and flourish and come away feeling elevated.  On the other hand, problem employees might require a firmer hand, such as discipline or a behavior modification plan, to meet their full potential.

Collaboration.  When you work closely with your employees, seeking and including their input in decision-making, you are using a collaborative management style.  By its nature, this style is likely to foster employee morale, creativity, and productivity.  Employees feel valued when their opinions are heard and when they have a voice in steering the business.  Under this style, employees are encouraged to talk openly (but respectfully) about their thoughts, their criticisms, and their mistakes.

Delegation.  When you trust employees to share the load instead of hoarding work for yourself, you are using a delegating management style.  Delegating work not only elevates employees, but it helps management get the most from its workforce by learning and utilizing each employee’s strengths.  Employees feel trusted to complete these responsibilities and to complete them well.  In the long run, successful delegation can help managers make informed choices regarding reorganizations and promotions.  Delegation also frees up managers for high-level tasks.

Positivity.  When you present a cheerful and encouraging attitude toward your work, your staff, and your customers, you are using a positive management style.  Did you ever notice how infectious a smile can be?  The same goes for a positive attitude in the workplace.  As a manager, your attitude sets the tone in your work environment.  If you are grouchy and negative, your employees are likely to mirror your attitude or feel like their contribution doesn’t matter.  But if you are positive and excited about your work, employees will notice, and are more likely to feel like a valued part of a business “family.”

Each of these management styles creates a positive work environment and employees who feel valued.  How many are you using?  A close examination of your management style can help you develop an approach that promotes morale, productivity, creativity, and employee loyalty—and that ultimately drives your business toward success.

To help your business down that road to success, look to the friendly professionals at YES! Your Human Resources Solution, Orange County’s premier HR consulting firm.  From recruitment and retention, to management training, to compensation and compliance, trust our 20 years of HR experience to guide you toward your vision for the future.  To find out how our services can benefit your unique business, visit our website or contact us for a free consultation.