Leadership

Sources
Papers Leadership and ethos
Books I tried to run a railwayGerard Fiennes explains the tribulatioins of being a senior manager in British Railways

Those who gives instructions to others should consider themselves to be leaders and use principles for successful leadership. Leadership is not just about being 'the Boss'.

Democratic or autocratic leadership

Autocratic leaders make independent decisions, prefer not to consult with others, seek to marginalise those who do give advice.

Democratic leaders seek consensus from the team.  They expect their ideas to be challenged by others.

While autocratic leadership can be successful, it should be avoided.  It involves too much risk and tends to result in unhappy working environments

Employee	Democratic leader	Autocratic leader
Make a non-wilful mistake	Treat as a learning opportunity.	Threaten employee with punishment.
Point out faults in the organisation	Welcome suggestions and use them if appropriate; reward those who make suggestions that are adopted.	Ignore such advice; treat the employee as a whistle-blower; seek to have them dismissed.

Leadership should be based on ability and character, not on rank or class.

In his book The secrets of StationX, about the Bletchley Park operation in WW2, Michael Smith quotes Bill Bundy as saying:

“It was a terrific human experience. This was a totally dedicated group working together in absolutely remarkable teamwork. Their whole structure was one where you might readily find a major working under a lieutenant or a civilian somewhat younger. Whoever was in charge was the person who had been judged to be the most effective at doing it.”

Some people want to be ‘The Boss’; they are likely to be able to talk themselves into positions of authority but often those best able to lead have a quiet demeanour, are not pushy, but have inner steel that engenders respect.

Principles for democratic leadership.

• Be a critical thinker and seek to ensure adoption of a critical thinking ethos in the team.#
• Being a democratic leader does not imply that you put proposals to a vote. It does imply that the views of all participant are sought e.g. go 'round the table' at meetings to find out the range of views. Seek to achieve consensus outcomes.
• If you create sub-groups within the team, seek to ensure the group leaders have a democratic style.  For a major managerial appointment especially avoid those who are likely to be autocratic.
• When delegating, do not micromanage people or sub-groups. Monitor performance and provide support when needed.
• Arrange that the members of the team have an appropriate range of disciplinary skills
• Seek to ensure that all involved are fully committed to the objective of the enterprise.
• Seek ensure that the effect of your leadership style has a positive effect on job satisfaction. People who are happy at their work tend to be better motivated and more productive.
• Arrange for effective governance.
• Develop a network of contacts from whom you can seek assistance.

Two Scenarios

1. "The boss is coming to visit us. Oh dear! I am not getting on well with my work and I wlll need conceal that from him in case he becomes angry with me."
2. "The boss is coming to visit. Great! I am not getting on well with my work and I hope that she will be able to help me to do better."

Which situation is preferable?

Learning to be a democratic leader

One should practice using leadership principles from the first time that you have a role that directs the work of others. Be a 'student' of leadership ethos. Copy good leadership principles; actively avoid bad leadership principles. Operating as an effective leader may be a crucial issue in the success of your carreer.