What is an autocratic leadership style?

An autocratic leadership style is one in which the leader makes most important decisions without taking input from his workers. Efficient decision-making is a key benefit, especially when urgency is required. However, autocratic leaders may demoralize their workers and contribute to high levels of turnover in extreme cases.

Autocratic leaders tend to be more authoritarian. They typically give employees clear and direct task expectations and deadlines. When team collaboration isn't vital to effective decisions, the value of a single decision-maker is greater. A lack of trust often develops between the autocratic leader and the workers over time because of the lack of input allowed.