Free-rein Leadership is a management style where the leaders believe in minimal supervision and leave most decisions to their subordinates. Also called Laissez-Faire leadership, it is a form of leadership style in which leaders step back and let the group members make decisions. Managers set goals, and employees are free to do whatever is necessary to achieve those goals in this formation.
Characteristics of Free-rein Leadership
There are a few distinct characteristics that set this kind of leadership apart from others. Some of them are listed below -
- Trust among staffs
- System of independent decision-making
- Decentralized authority
- Self-control of employees
- Leaders provide very little guidance
- Leaders make the necessary tools and resources available
- Group members are expected to tackle problems independently
Friendliness, compassion, and understanding are qualities that managers require in such settings. In organizations where managers supervise doctors, engineers, professors, and other experts, free-rein is generally the most successful management style.
This leadership style can have positive impacts on subordinates' job satisfaction and morale. It also allows subordinates to take the initiative which can provide subordinates much more room to grow.
There is no place for autocratic leadership at all under this form of leadership. As the subordinates do not receive the leader's direction and assistance, they may progress in separate directions and work against each other.
Use of this Term in Sentences
- Free flow of communication is a common practice in a free-rein leadership setting.
- Free-rein leadership is ineffective if the employees are not capable enough to motivate themselves.