Your Leadership Style Could Be Harming Your Organization: Unraveling the Pitfalls of Laissez-Faire Leadership

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As a leader, your role is pivotal. The choices you make and the leadership style you adopt can be transformational. Among the host of leadership styles, one that has garnered significant attention is the laissez-faire leadership style. Laissez-faire leadership or "delegated leadership," as it's often called, has its roots in economics. It describes a leadership style where leaders take a step back, giving their team the reins to make decisions and drive results. While it may seem like a brilliant idea that promotes creativity and independence, research suggests that this road bears a high cost.

 

1. Increased Workplace Stressors

Though the laissez-faire leadership style might present the illusion of freedom, the lack of direction it brings along is a potent stressor. Studies indicate a positive correlation between laissez-faire leadership and role conflict, role ambiguity, and coworker conflicts (Skogstad et al., 2007). This lack of clear direction and feedback can leave your employees feeling unsupported and confused about their roles, leading to a stressful work environment. 

 

2. Reduced Organizational Performance

An organization's performance significantly relies on its leader's ability to provide direction and motivation. With laissez-faire leadership, we're often left with a void. Research suggests this leadership style, characterized by a lack of guidance, can decrease productivity and efficiency (Jony, 2019). When employees need a compass showing them the way, aligning with the organization's objectives becomes easier, affecting overall performance

 

3. Eroding Trust – The Unseen Damage

Trust is one of the most valuable currencies within an organization. When leaders take a backseat, fail to engage with their teams, and shirk their responsibilities, it can lead to a breakdown in trust. This lack of leadership sends a message to employees that their leaders need to be invested in their roles or the organization, leading to diminished trust (Tosunoglu & Ekmekci, 2016).


Finding The Balance

While the laissez-faire leadership style might seem appealing, its disadvantages highlight its potential harm. The increased workplace stressors, the negative impact on organizational performance, and the erosion of trust bring with them negative implications. 

As a leader, you have the power to change this narrative. By finding the right balance between providing guidance and supporting independence, you can ensure your team's well-being and your organization's success.


 

Works Cited 

Jony, M. F. I. (2019). *The Impact of Autocratic, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire Leadership Styles on the Success of the Organization: A Study on the Different Popular Restaurants of 

 

Mymensingh, Bangladesh Skogstad, A., Einarsen, S., Torsheim, T., Aasland, M. S., & Hetland, H. (2007). *The destructiveness of laissez-faire leadership behavior*. Journal of occupational health psychology, 12(1), 80-92.

 

Tosunoglu, H., & Ekmekci, O. T. (2016). Laissez-Faire Leaders and Organizations: How does Laissez-Faire Leader Erode the Trust in Organizations?





 

 

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