12 types of management styles and when to use them

As a manager, your job is to provide clarity and context so your team can do their best work. Great managers connect the dots and share the bigger picture, but how they do that varies. That’s where different management styles come in. Your style shows up in the choices you make every day, from how you run 1:1s to the tone you set in meetings. You likely lean toward a particular management style even if you haven’t identified it yet.

Recognizing your go-to management style helps you lead more effectively. It gives you insight into how you support your team, whether you’re doing it consciously or not. By understanding the types of management styles and what each looks like, you can adjust your approach to better meet your team’s needs.

What are management styles?

Management styles describe the distinct approaches that different managers take to support and guide a team at work. All managers have the same responsibilities, but management styles describe how different types of managers specifically use their managerial toolkit to motivate team members. 

There are many ways to manage a team, and most of us have a natural style, even if we don’t realize it. Your management approach often shows up in how you communicate, make decisions, and lead day-to-day. The key is to recognize your default management style. Once you do, you’ll better understand how you lead, support your team, and influence their experience, often in ways you didn’t even notice.

Types of management styles

There’s no single “right” way to lead a team. The best managers adapt their style based on the situation, goals, and people involved. Below, you’ll find 12 common manager styles, each with strengths, challenges, and ideal use cases.

1. Autocratic management style

The autocratic style puts decision making in the hands of one person: the manager. They decide what the team should focus on, set short-term and long-term goals, and assign tasks based on their judgment. It’s a top-down type of management, where direction flows one way, and the team follows the lead without much input.

Advantages of an autocratic management style:

• It’s easier to make quick decisions since there is only one decision-maker.

• Helpful in high-pressure situations where mistakes aren’t an option

Disadvantages of an autocratic management style:

• Can lead to micromanagement

• Team members may hold back ideas if they don’t feel heard

• Creativity often takes a back seat to efficiency

Best for: This managerial style is helpful in emergencies where speed and precision matter more than discussion.

2. Persuasive management style

The persuasive management style is autocratic leadership but with a twist. Managers still make all the decisions but take time to explain their reasoning. This keeps the team members informed and helps them understand how choices are made, even if they don’t help make them.

Advantages of a persuasive management style:

• Helps newer or less experienced team members learn from leadership decisions

• Builds trust through transparency, even when the process isn’t collaborative

Disadvantages of a persuasive management style:

• Communication flows one way, so team feedback may still go unheard

• People may feel like their voice doesn’t matter, even if they’re kept in the loop

Best for: Teams that need clear direction but are still learning the ropes.

3. Paternalistic management style

The paternalistic management style is another form of autocratic leadership that centers on care. Managers still make the decisions but do so with the team’s best interests in mind. While this manager style isn’t collaborative, team members are encouraged to share their thoughts and trust that leadership will listen, even if they don’t act on every request.

Advantages of the paternalistic style:

• Team well-being is a priority in every decision

• Employees are encouraged to speak up, even if they’re not part of the decision-making process

Disadvantages of the paternalistic style:

• Without trust, people may feel overlooked or unmotivated

Best for: Workplaces with a strong sense of loyalty and respect.

4. Democratic management style

Democratic leadership, also called participative leadership, invites team members to take part in the decision-making process. This style of management supports employee development, encourages input, and helps each person grow through regular feedback. While the manager still makes the final decision, everyone contributes ideas.

A democratic management style creates alignment early on. Before setting priorities, managers connect day-to-day work with company goals and ask for input. If goals need refining, they’ll check in and help shape them.

Advantages of a democratic management style:

• Team members understand how their work supports long-term goals

• Group input leads to better ideas and stronger problem-solving

• This type of leadership builds employee engagement and trust

• Regular feedback helps people grow to their full potential

Disadvantages of a democratic management style:

• Collaboration takes time. Managers need to stay involved to keep progress on track.

Best for: Use this managing style when you need teamwork and shared buy-in for long-term goals.

5. Consultative management style

A consultative management style is a more hands-on version of democratic leadership. These managers regularly ask their team members for input and treat decision-making as a shared process. Unlike autocratic leaders, they rarely make choices alone. Instead, they focus on collaboration, upward feedback, and continuous improvement.

Advantages of the consultative managing style:

• Encourages open communication across the team

• Creates space for upward feedback and team-led ideas

Disadvantages of the consultative managing style:

• Involving everyone can slow things down and lead to inefficiency in the decision-making process

Best for: This style of management works well when you want to guide and mentor your team, not just lead it. 

6. Transformational management style

The transformational leadership style is a form of democratic management that emphasizes long-term goals, innovation, and professional growth. Often used in creative or fast-moving work environments, it works best when people are ready to stretch. Transformational leaders set ambitious targets and inspire adaptability.

Advantages of a transformational management style:

• Works well for motivated people who want to grow in their roles

• Inspires purpose and helps team members stay connected to a clear vision

Disadvantages of a transformational management style:

• High standards can lead to burnout if the team lacks support or focus

• When goals feel out of reach, this style of management may lead to turnover and poor job satisfaction

Best for: This management approach works when people want to grow, take risks, and try new things together.

7. Visionary management style

A type of democratic leadership, the visionary management style focuses less on daily tasks and more on connecting team members to a shared vision. Visionary leaders inspire and motivate through purpose rather than direction. They guide by clearly showing where the team is going and why it matters.

Advantages of a visionary management style:

• Helps teams think creatively and approach problems from new angles

• Inspires people to care deeply about the work and the mission behind it

Disadvantages of a visionary management style:

• Inspiration has to be genuine. If the passion isn’t real, people will see through it

• Without ongoing support, some team members may feel lost or disconnected

Best for: Visionary leadership helps people stay inspired while they build something new.

8. Coaching management style

The coaching management style is all about development. These managers act like mentors, helping team members build leadership skills, strengthen performance, and grow over time. Rather than focusing only on results, coaching leadership cares just as much about progress. They ask questions, give regular feedback, and help people reflect on how they work—not just what they deliver.

Advantages of a coaching management style:

• Encourages professional growth through one-on-one support and guidance

• Builds trust and long-term employee engagement

• Helps people connect their daily work to their full potential

Disadvantages of a coaching management style:

• Takes time and consistency. This style doesn’t work well in fast-moving environments without room for reflection

• Can feel too hands-on for experienced team members who want more independence

Best for: Teams where people are still learning or stepping into new roles.

9. Servant leadership style

The servant leadership style flips the traditional manager-team dynamic. Instead of telling others what to do, servant leaders focus on what the team needs to succeed. They listen closely, remove blockers, and prioritize well-being over control. This type of leadership is built on empathy, trust, and the belief that good outcomes follow when the team feels supported.

Advantages of a servant leadership style:

• Promotes a healthy, people-first work environment

• Builds strong relationships between managers and direct reports

• Encourages collaboration and shared ownership of goals

Disadvantages of a servant leadership style:

• May blur the line between leading and over-accommodating

• Can lead to indecision if the manager avoids taking the lead when needed

Best for: This is an effective management style when teams value trust and openness. It works when you want to lead with support, not control.

10. Laissez-faire management style

The laissez-faire management style is the most hands-off management type. The term means “let it go” in French, and these managers live up to the name. They give team members near-total autonomy and rarely step in unless something goes wrong. Meetings are minimal. Check-ins only happen if needed, and guidance is often reactive rather than planned.

Advantages of a laissez-faire leadership:

• Gives people space to be creative and take initiative

• Works well for self-motivated team members who prefer independence

Disadvantages of a laissez-faire leadership:

• Less experienced employees may struggle without structure or direction

• Managers often fail to connect work to company goals or offer meaningful feedback

• This style can leave people feeling unsupported or unsure of priorities

Collaboration and teamwork tend to take a back seat

Best for: Independent thinkers who already know what they’re doing. This approach works best when the team doesn't need much help or oversight.

11. Delegative management style

A more structured version of laissez-faire management, the delegative management style centers on task assignment. Managers delegate work, step back, and return at the end to review results. There’s little involvement during the process: no real-time coaching, no mid-project feedback. It’s a cycle of assign, exit, and evaluate.

Advantages of the delegative style:

• Gives team members creative freedom to approach tasks their way

• Eliminates micromanagement, which can build trust and confidence

Disadvantages of the delegative style:

• Without mid-project feedback, the final result may not meet expectations

• With the manager only existing to delegate, there’s no process for conflict resolution.

Best for: Teams with experience and strong instincts. It works when the people doing the work know more than the person assigning it.

12. Transactional management style

The transactional management style is all about structure, goals, and rewards. Managers using this style of management focus on clear expectations and defined roles. If team members meet those expectations, they’re rewarded. If not, there may be consequences. This type of leadership is common in environments where results matter more than collaboration or creativity.

Advantages of a transactional management style:

• Creates clarity and predictability for both managers and their direct reports

• Helps keep large teams focused on short-term goals and performance benchmarks

Disadvantages of a transactional management style:

• Doesn’t leave much room for employee development or innovation

• May lead to low employee engagement if rewards are inconsistent or motivation fades

Best for: This manager style works well when the path is clear and focused on results, not brainstorming.

Management skills everyone needs (no matter your style)

Effective leadership is built on a shared foundation, regardless of your management style. These core management skills help you support your team and lead effectively.

Connect daily work to bigger goals

One of the most powerful things you can do as a manager is provide context. Only 26% of knowledge workers clearly understand how their work contributes to company goals. Without that connection, it’s hard to prioritize or stay motivated. When you link daily tasks to the bigger picture, your team makes better decisions and focuses on what matters most.

Delegate with intention

Great managers don’t try to do everything themselves. You know your team’s strengths and assign work accordingly. Good delegation stretches people without overwhelming them and includes regular check-ins to balance the workload.

Offer feedback and support growth

Feedback helps your team improve, and growth doesn’t happen without it. The best managers are also coaches. You give constructive feedback, hold space for development conversations, and help each person define and pursue their version of success.

Build trust and collaboration

Strong teams are built, not born. You create space for honest conversations, encourage cross-team collaboration, and lead with empathy. When people trust each other and feel safe bringing their full selves to work, they do better work together.

Management styles vs. leadership styles

A big part of being a great manager is knowing the difference between leadership and management.

Management styles focus on how you organize work, assign tasks, and support your team’s day-to-day needs. Leadership styles are about how you inspire, motivate, and influence culture at a broader level.

Effective leaders use both, but strong management starts with clear direction, consistent feedback, and an understanding of your team's needs to thrive.

“Management is operational... A leader is more of a coach. She keeps the team inspired, aligned, and growing.”

—Dustin Moskovitz, Co-founder and CEO, Asana

Put your management style into action

Knowing your management style is just the beginning. With Asana, you can turn that insight into real impact by organizing work, setting clear priorities, and giving your team the context they need to succeed.

Whether you assign tasks, track goals, or run 1:1s, Asana helps you lead with clarity and confidence. Start using it today to support your team and improve your management skills.

FAQs about management styles