Although its name seems a bit contradictory (if a group can organize itself, why would it need a Manager) this Management Style has many adherents.
But, what exactly is a Democratic Management Style?
- A “Democratic” Manager is someone that Leads by enforcing what the Majority decides.
Let’s see what usually characterizes this type of management:
Characteristics of Democratic Management
The Manager Mediates among the different Group Members.
- Rather than “imposing” his/her authority (which, many times, is the best option).
The Manager respects the will of the Majority.
- Even if he/she doesn’t agree on the decision taken.
The Manager Mediates between the Team and the Company.
- Keeping the budget, letting know the Team Members what the Company needs…
The Manager establish certain Red Lines that the Team must respect.
- Usually, related to Costs, Budget, Deadlines…
As you may be thinking at this point, this style of management is not suitable for all types of Projects.
Most Projects need authority, to:
- Set ambitious goals.
- Review what’s been done.
- Coordinate things in a fast way.
In fact, we have used this Type of Management few times in our Professional life.
- In our Projects we need to be as quick as possible and making very unpopular decisions.
We would only recommend this Style of Management in certain occasions:
Examples of Democratic Management Style
Designing a New Disruptive Product.
- When the Product is not yet born, and Ideas are the most important.
Managing “Art” Projects.
- When there is Time, Money and no technical requirements.
In a Team full of “Superstars”, and their mere presence guarantees Success.
- When the Author is more important than the final Product.
We tend to discourage Managers from applying this Style in its purest form, by default.
- When people don’t feel an “authority”… Things get messy.
We would recommend it, mixed with other Management Styles.
- For certain occasions.
Let’s see summarized its Pros and Cons:
Pros and Cons of a Democratic Management Style
Pros:
- It can aggregate diverse points of view.
- It boosts creativity.
- It unites Team members with each other (if properly applied).
Cons:
- Tend to slow things down.
- Usually, creates resentment in those whose ideas are not popular.
- Many times, the diverse visions are incompatible with each other.
