Democratic Leadership

Democratic Leadership
Candy Piercy, Business Consultant, United Kingdom, Member
I think this is a very positive leadership style when used appropriately. It needs to be alternated with other styles in an assertive manner.
Too much use of the democratic leadership style may damage the standing of the leader and cause frustration and confusion in the team. It may even lead to revolt against the team leader, who appears passive and looks as if they cannot make up their own mind.
An effective leader moves naturally between styles in an appropriate way. This movement is guided by a high degree of self awareness, empathy and overall emotional intelligence.
So democratic ledership needs to be used alongside visionary and coaching leadership in particular. Different leaders will use the different styles in different proportions, with different teams.

Democratic Leadership
LEAH LYNDA I. STA ANA, Student (MBA), Philippines, Member
Democratic leadership sometimes relies on numbers, just as when deciding always the majority wins. Therefore an effective leader uses different styles to match the situation. Thanks for your insights.

Democratic Leadership
Adam mohammed Baba, Director, Ghana, Member
Democratic leadership is desired if the leader is assertive. This is important in order to ensure that the leader remains focused on achieving the stated goals of the organization. He will be most effective if he blends his style with other leadership styles.

Democratic Culture
Glen T. Mashburn, Consultant, United States, Member
One of the concerns with a democratic culture is, often, an organization projects the illusion of a democratic process in order to give employees the impression that their votes count. Too much time can be involved with debating issues when an immediate response is required. Often a manager will make a solo decision in an attempt to expedite the process or not really count employee votes for the same reason. Don't get me wrong; I'm a proponent of teamwork and inclusion but in painting the "romantic" view, often problematic concerns are left out.

Democratic Leadership of Teams
Cindy Stiff, United States, Member
Those of us who teach what you are calling "democratic leadership" realize there is always a team leader, and team performance depends on how well those team leaders strike a balance between doing things themselves and letting other people do them. Team leaders believe that they do not have all the answers and do not need to make all key decisions.
So the leader gives up some command and control. But simply abandoning decision-making to a team rarely works. The team leader must give up decision-making only when the team is ready to accept and use it.
In other words, there is still only one leader, but that leader needs to strike a balance between guiding the team/giving up control and making the tough decisions.
Even in a "democratic" leadership style, we shouldn't underestimate the leader's role and responsibilities.