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Part One:

Autocratic Leadership: In this style, the leader makes decisions without seeking
advice from team members. The leader decides the tasks, methods, and processes
while expecting team members to follow them to the letter. This style can be effective in
quick decision-making situations, or need of clear direction. However, it can reduce
morale and creativity among team members due to limited input. Steve Jobs,
co-founder and former CEO of Apple Inc., was known for his autocratic leadership style.
He was known for being very strict when it came to attention to detail and following his
strong visions. As a result, it contributed to Apple's success but also led to criticism for
his demanding and harsh leadership style.

Democratic Leadership: This can also be identified as participative leadership. This


style involves the inclusion of team members when the leader makes decisions.
Participation is highly encouraged, seeking input and feedback whilst considering those
opinions before the leader makes a decision. This style can lead to higher job
satisfaction, engagement, and morale among team members. It gives a sense of value
when it comes to the decision-making process. Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, is
known for her democratic leadership style.

Laissez-Faire Leadership: This style is more of a passive and hands-off approach,


where direction and guidance for the team members are done to a minimum by the
leader. Instead, team members are encouraged to make their own decisions and
manage their tasks. While this style can promote independence and creativity among
the team members; however, it can also prove to be difficult as it can lead to a lack of
direction and coordination if not managed properly. Warren Buffett, chairman, and CEO
of Berkshire Hathaway, is an example of his laissez-faire leadership style.

Transformational Leadership: Transformational leadership is a style that inspires


and motivates team members to achieve high levels of performance and success. It can
create an innovative environment, allowing for growth among team members. These
types of leaders are visionary, charismatic, and able to express a clear vision for the
future. Transformational leaders lead by example to inspire and empower their team
members to reach their full potential. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is an
example of transformational leadership.

Transactional Leadership: This style is the complete opposite of the transformational


leadership style where leaders focus on rewards and punishments to motivate their
team members. They set specific standards and provide feedback based on
performance. Transactional leaders use a system of rewards and incentives to achieve
their desired outcomes and behaviors from their team members. Jack Welch, former
CEO of General Electric (GE), is an example of a transactional leadership style. He was
known for using an evaluation system known as "rank and yank," which ranked
employees and fired the lowest performers each year.

Servant Leadership: The servant leadership style focuses on prioritizing the needs of
the leader’s team members above their own. They essentially serve others in hopes of
developing their potential and creating a supportive and inclusive work atmosphere.
Servant leaders are compassionate, humble, and dedicated to the well-being and
growth of their team members. Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian
independence movement, is an example of servant leadership.

Charismatic Leadership: Charismatic leaders have this magnetizing personality that


inspires devotion and loyalty among their team members. They are very confident, and
persuasive, and have the ability to express convincing visions. Charismatic leaders
utilize their charisma to motivate and inspire others; however, they may also be viewed
as authoritarian or manipulative if not properly done so with ethical behavior. Oprah
Winfrey is known for her charismatic leadership style.
Part Two:
The leader I chose is Nelson Mandela, who is known for his transformational
leadership. The former president of South Africa was known for being charismatic and
a visionary. Much like Elon Musk, he led by example. He embodies the values of
forgiveness, peace, and unity and is a symbol of leadership and resilience. His actions
brought an end to racial segregation in South Africa and led the country to a more fair
and equal place for everyone. This inspired millions of people worldwide to strive for
positive change and social justice.

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