Traditional Leadership Assumptions
Only one person functions as the leader

Assumption Description

With traditional leadership, there is one leader and many followers.
- Gary DePaul

Individual contributors (subordinates) are assigned to report to a manager. That manager is responsible for reviews, managing the team, and the actions of their direct reports.


However, it is perceived as a threat or insubordination when an individual contributor starts to act as a leader. By not allowing others to lead, managers as leaders can decrease creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.

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Implications for Leading

The authoritarian management style involves managing through clear direction and control.  Authoritarian managers typically assert strong authority, have total decision-making power, and expect unquestioned obedience.

  • Limited Input - Leader makes decisions independently with little or no input from the rest of the group.
  • Defined Role Hierarchy - Construct gaps and build distance between themselves and their followers with the intention of stressing role distinctions.
  • Highly Structured - Clearly defined rules and processes.

Examples of the Assumption

  • Autocratic/Authoritarian Leaders
  • Bill Gates
  • Martha Stewart
Everyone can practice leadership regardless of role.
- Gary DePaul

Comparison

Positives

  • For quick urgent decisions need to be made.
  • When work performance must be closely monitored.
  • Under strict coordination in relation to process is crucial.

Cons

  • High employee turnover. 
  • Highly resistance to change.
  • Limited initiative and cooperation. 

Related 21st Century Leadership Beliefs

21st Century Leadership emphasizes interactions between leading and collaboration while de-emphasizing roles such as leader and follower.
- Gary DePaul
  • No conflict with having multiple leaders in the same team
  • Anyone can lead and those with authority should encourage and nurture others to lead
  • No matter how strong a team member leads, the team member does not assume managerial duties
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Supporting Resources

Western Governors University. (2020, September 29). What Is Autocratic Leadership? Western Governors University. https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-autocratic-leadership2009.html.


Stamwitz, A. von. (2015, September 14). An Interview with Gary DePaul. Welcome to Literary Ashland. https://literaryashland.org/?p=6387.