Here are several aspects of two opposites in management styles that do not just apply in Australia. There are a number of other styles and those too are well worth understanding but for this exercise consider the autocratic totalitarian [AT] and the team builder [TB].

The AT is a comparatively rare extreme based in a desire for total control of every aspect of the business exchanging passion for brand with a one dimensional passion for power.

This style can be extremely efficient when focused on a limited number of projects however; the fallout from an inevitable inability to control all business aspects consistently can be spectacular, extremely expensive and tends to have a short business life. Those who employ this style mostly have low IQs and hide low self-esteem.

The team builder aspires to being an expert in delegation and performance review knowing that style offers far greater stability and profit performance with long term prospects of developing quality growth across all aspects of an entire operation.  The TB diligently selects attitude, develops an ‘exchange of ideas’ yet competitive culture and encourages ‘can do’ initiative.

The AT creates subservience and crushes initiative. Tools of trade can include intimidation, ridicule and criticism to achieve domination. Due to the unmanageability of this style, errors, missed opportunities and typically little inclination to detailed planning ensures speedy outcomes typically ranging from poor to disastrous. This style attracts zero loyalty and ensures high costly staff turnover.

Team builders challenge themselves daily to develop and maintain thinking passionate staff buy-in.  The overall result of delegation and review is to gain invaluable input from frontline staff. Tools of trade typically include challenge, respect,  training, encouragement and reward. Rewards utlized are sometimes simply recognition but whatever the reward the TB utilizes them to encourage the 'team' to greater performance.

There are a multitude of informative articles on Management styles and for the purpose of encouraging some thought on this topic and the relationship to employee performance other styles that might quickly give insight include; Paternalistic, Democratic, Laissez-faire, MBWA, and Leadership. Many experts describe many differing styles.

Whatever the management style they will always influence the level of staff performance and commitment. They bring out the best, indifferent or worst qualities in staff. This topic is ultimately central to achieving or not achieving high performance generating profit.

For small business operators who give thoughtful consideration to their style in terms of longevity and efficiency from a positive work environment, management style will generally decide the quality of product or service, how well or poorly customers are treated and whether customers return, become advocates for the business or dissatisfaction pushes them to competitors.   

Business operators absolutely make or break a business no matter what the product or service and management styles determine the financial outcome.  With a quality business concept there are three investments needed to secure success. One refers to money, another is an investment in people and the other is an investment in self.

The point of this exercise was to challenge You.

Look around. Most operators don’t think about or develop their management style as a personal challenge although those who do are easily recognised. Quite often style is not really considered or possibly forgotten to the absolute advantage of those few who really work it.

Behind the highest performers in business is a knowing dedication to a quality management style.  And that’s where the big bucks are.

What is your style?