Dual Court

R. White and R. Lippitt (1968) describe the "styles approach" to leadership. They discuss the three leadership styles as Authoritarian, Democratic, Laissez-faire. Steven A. Beebe (2010) describes the Authoritarian style as, "influence by giving orders or seeking to control others", the Democratic style as "consult with others before issuing edicts", and the Laissez-faire as, "takes a hands-off, laid-back approach to influencing others".

The Authoritarian leader is highly structured and demands control, and generally is not effective in most type of business or work relationships. It has more application in the military arena when specific unquestioned direction is needed to accomplish a task. This leadership style has also proven effective in the sports arena. In his first executive committee meeting in Green Bay, Vince Lombardi (2005) stated, "I want it understood that I'm in complete command. I expect full cooperation from you people, and you will get full cooperation from me in return". He understood the need to have the authority to make the changes required to turn around a then struggling football franchise. Another area where it is appropriate to use this approach are in times of disaster, F. Fiedler, M. Chemers, and L. Mahar in their work, Improving Leadership Effectiveness (1976), describe a similar approach called task-orienting leadership. They suggests this approach would be appropriate in a circumstance such as the one that occurred at the World Trade Centers on 9/11.

The Democratic leader works with the group as opposed to specifically dictating to the group. Encarta Dictionary (2007) defines it as "characterized by free and equal participation in government or in the decision-making processes of an organization or group". Democratic leaders are influential but only after judging the groups thoughts on a matter. This type of leader is the most responsive to the mood of a group, and they are willing to adapt their own responses based on the thoughts and feelings of the group. They have the humility to focus on the needs of the group rather than their own personal agenda. This is becoming the most common approach to leadership in the workplace. It recognizes the need of people to participate in decisions and recognizes that contributions from many people is the most effective way to achieve a successful outcome. They are committed to what is right