Management is an essential aspect of running a successful business. There are different types of management styles, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. One of the most prominent and highly debated management styles is dictatorial management.
Dictatorial management is a leadership style that is based on using the power that comes from a leader's position to push employees to achieve extravagant goals that may be important only to the leader. In a dictatorial management approach, leaders tell people what to do without emphasizing the reasons why the work needs to be done. Instead, they hand out orders and instructions, not bothering to ask their colleagues to do something for the company. While this approach may work in some situations, such as preventing a catastrophe in a factory, it is not an all-around tool that fits every potential situation a leader may face.
The disadvantages of a dictatorial management style are numerous. It prevents employees from using their creativity to fulfil their roles and be satisfied members of the community. It makes employees feel tired and much less effective. This style of management creates distrust and fear on the employees' side. Dictatorial managers are often viewed as less competent compared to other leaders. It often goes hand-in-hand with micromanaging employees, which is ineffective and eats up much time on both sides unnecessarily. A fearful, non-motivated company culture creates a hostile environment for the employees, in which they won't perform. As a result, employees will continuously look for potential escape opportunities that point them towards other companies.
An essential aspect of being a leader is knowing how to communicate effectively with employees. Using the "because I said so" approach to leadership is not an acceptable form of communication between adults, especially when you are expecting them to be motivated and loyal in the long run. As leaders, we need to be able to inspire, motivate, and encourage our employees to do their best work.
To prevent being a dictatorial leader, there are several things you can do. First, hold regular meetings but avoid long monologues. Provide an environment where your team members can articulate their fears, issues, and problems, even if that is in connection with you as the leader. Professionally react to these critiques, don't take it upon yourself, and modify your approach accordingly. This will result in a positive environment, and the employees will be more motivated, which will cause better performance.
In conclusion, there are many different types of management styles, and dictatorial management is one of them. However, this leadership style is not suitable for every situation and can have a negative impact on employee morale, creativity, and loyalty. As leaders, it's essential to choose management styles that foster a positive working environment, inspire creativity, and encourage employee motivation. Effective communication, along with other methods, can be used to prevent being a dictatorial leader and create a thriving work culture that brings out the best in everyone.