explain in 500 words what is a democratic leader
Answers
Democratic leadership, which is also commonly known as participative leadership, is about letting multiple people participate in the decision-making process. This type of leadership can be seen in a wide range of contexts, from businesses to schools to governments.
The Framework
In the 1990’s, John Gastil published an article in the journal Human Relations that outlined the framework for democratic leadership. This framework defines three core tenets of this leadership style:
The distribution of responsibility. The democratic leader shouldn’t be the one to hold onto all the responsibility. Instead, their role is to distribute the responsibility and maximize the involvement of others in an effort to achieve the specified objectives.
The empowerment of others. Democratic leaders also need to empower their members to make smart decisions. Encouraging people to take on shared responsibilities is a great way to achieve this, as the process of involvement can help them become more practiced at decision-making, critical thinking, and other valuable skills that can increase their self esteem and competence.
The aiding of decision-making. Finally, democratic leaders also need to play the role of facilitator when it comes to decision making. This means being able to guide groups through productive conversations, maintaining healthy relationships across teams, and creating a space where a democratic approach is truly embraced.