Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Mastering Management Styles: Expert Guidance for Managers
Mastering Management Styles: Expert Guidance for Managers

Mastering Management Styles: Expert Guidance for Managers: Discover and perfect your ultimate management style for success in your role with this book and ebook.

eBook
$10.99 $16.99
Paperback
$24.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Mastering Management Styles: Expert Guidance for Managers

Chapter 2. The Elements of Management Style: Direction versus Consultation

One of the main features of your management style in any given situation will be where you place yourself on the direction/consultation axis.

The answer you provide to this question will go a long way toward shaping your relationship with your employees.

Case study: Dave and Rhonda


You and your team have been informed that the building you're located in has been sold, and that your department will be relocating to one of the company's other locations. Your superiors have asked for your input as to where you would prefer to go. There's space available in several locations, one of which is quite close to your home, though it's less convenient for Dave and Rhonda.

How should you handle this? (We'll come back to this at the end of the chapter.)

What is the direction/consultation axis?


The direction/consultation axis is the degree to which you take input from your subordinates in decision-making and on other questions impacting the running of your department.

Highly directive managers do their own analysis, make decisions on their own, and tell employees how things are going to be.

Consultative managers listen to people's ideas and analysis, hear their thoughts about how to proceed in various circumstances, and take their views into account.

This is not to say that the boss relinquishes control over decision-making or is obliged to accept the suggestions of others; the person responsible to the higher-ups is always the one who has the final say. But a consultative manager hears what others have to say, takes their perspectives into account, and then sifts the wheat from the chaff.

Managing on the direction/consultation spectrum


As we discussed in the first chapter, it's important to remember that the direction/consultation axis is a spectrum or continuum, and not just two poles. In any situation, you need to decide where on the continuum you want to position yourself. Different scenarios—and different employees—will necessitate a different mix or balance between the two poles.

Direction –––––––––––––––––––––––– Consultation

As a general rule, it's better to hear what people have to say unless you've got a good reason not to. In other words, consult whenever you can; don't be directive unless you have to be.

Choosing between them

How do you know when you should be more directive and when you should be more consultative? There's no simple formula; every situation is different, and every situation is complex. Having said that, though, here are a few rules of thumb.

Consider being more directive when:

  • You have a tightly defined objective that has to be met

  • You have a tight deadline...

The impact on employees


Why is it important to think about your management style so much? Because the style you choose will have a major impact on your office, in two different ways. It will impact the quality of the work done, and it will impact the attitude of your employees toward both you and the organization at large.

The work

It's been said before: two heads are better than one. When you get the perspectives of other people, and hear their ideas and their thoughts, you're far more likely to make good decisions. Good decision-making relies on gathering a lot of information and considering a lot of alternative courses of action. This is far more likely to happen if you take input from several thoughtful people. There are very few people who have all the answers themselves (although there are some). Remember that it's always possible for you to miss something. Your employees have a ground-level perspective and hands-on experience with the work and the clients, which you, as a manager, may...

Risks


You have to be careful of being overly directive with people who are capable, and who are able to contribute at a higher level than what you're allowing them. Such a person will become disaffected very quickly, and is likely to seek other employment. Remember also that an overly directive environment is unlikely to be a pleasant one; it is more likely to be one that causes people to wish they were somewhere else. And 'pulling rank' simply to gain an advantage for yourself will send a very hostile message. Finally, as noted above, being excessively directive can cause you to make decisions on the basis of partial or incomplete information, as you may be missing key insights and perspectives that other people may have.

Being overly consultative also carries risks. It can create the impression in people's minds that the workplace is more of a democracy than it actually is; a certain sort of person sometimes gets the idea that he or she is the one in charge. And if not done correctly, it...

Case study: Dave and Rhonda


How would you handle the situation outlined at the beginning of the chapter? You could be directive, of course, and pull rank on them to ensure that your own convenience was met; but this would send a very bad message. It would tell the others that they don't matter and are not valued, and it would build a wall between them and you, and between them and the organization. It is quite likely to make them feel downright hostile toward you and the company.

The best solution would be to sit down with them, consider the options, and try to find a solution that's fair to everyone. You don't have to sacrifice your own convenience to maximize theirs; an effort to find a fair compromise that takes everyone's point of view into account sends the message that you're all colleagues, that everyone's concerns and interests deserve to be treated with respect, and that your office doesn't enforce hierarchy pointlessly. It will greatly increase the respect with which your employees...

Summary


In this chapter, you have:

  • Been introduced to the direction/consultation axis

  • Learned when to choose direction and when to choose consultation

  • Considered the impact on employees of each style

  • Learned about the risks of getting it wrong

Now let's take a look at the control/autonomy axis.

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

What you will learn

  • Distinguish between directive and consultative management to find the right approach for your team
  • Know when to take control and when to give your employees more autonomy
  • Choose the right style for the situation with confidence
  • Coach, mentor and support your employees
  • Balance the interests of the organization and those of your team
  • Take into account individual differences and adapt to get the best results
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Russia

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

$6.95

Premium delivery 6 - 9 business days

$21.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : May 09, 2014
Length: 56 pages
Edition :
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781783000463

What do you get with Print?

Product feature icon Instant access to your digital eBook copy whilst your Print order is Shipped
Product feature icon Paperback book shipped to your preferred address
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Shipping Address

Billing Address

Shipping Methods
Estimated delivery fee Deliver to Russia

Economy delivery 10 - 13 business days

$6.95

Premium delivery 6 - 9 business days

$21.95
(Includes tracking information)

Product Details

Publication date : May 09, 2014
Length: 56 pages
Edition :
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781783000463

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total $ 106.97
Practical Change Management for IT Projects
$54.99
Mastering Management Styles: Expert Guidance for Managers
$24.99
Motivate Your Team in 30 Days
$26.99
Total $ 106.97 Stars icon
Banner background image

Table of Contents

7 Chapters
Why Management Style Matters Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Elements of Management Style: Direction versus Consultation Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Elements of Management Style: Control versus Autonomy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Elements of Management Style: Coaching, Mentoring, and Supporting Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
The Elements of Management Style: The Organization or the Employee? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Differences Between Employees Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Conclusion: Things to Remember Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
(2 Ratings)
5 star 0%
4 star 100%
3 star 0%
2 star 0%
1 star 0%
Andrew Psaltis Sep 15, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
This is a great book for new and experienced managers. Although it is a quick read, it really does boil things down to the essence. I really enjoyed the style of defining each of the attributes along the spectrum and the advice on what each is and how to use it. If you are a new manager or an experienced manager that needs a refresher determining your style and how to apply it, then this a a great book to have on your shelf.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
B&B Aug 07, 2014
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
Mastering management styles: Expert guidance for managers guides you through different aspects of management styles, giving examples to ilustrate what is being discussed. This book really makes you think think about the manager role from a different perspective. If you always thought managers only exists to make people meet the schedule, you could not be more wrong. "The role of a manager is to maximize the performance of the people who report to him or her, in order best to achieve the objectives of the organization"
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is the delivery time and cost of print book? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela
What is custom duty/charge? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customs duty are charges levied on goods when they cross international borders. It is a tax that is imposed on imported goods. These duties are charged by special authorities and bodies created by local governments and are meant to protect local industries, economies, and businesses.

Do I have to pay customs charges for the print book order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The orders shipped to the countries that are listed under EU27 will not bear custom charges. They are paid by Packt as part of the order.

List of EU27 countries: www.gov.uk/eu-eea:

A custom duty or localized taxes may be applicable on the shipment and would be charged by the recipient country outside of the EU27 which should be paid by the customer and these duties are not included in the shipping charges been charged on the order.

How do I know my custom duty charges? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The amount of duty payable varies greatly depending on the imported goods, the country of origin and several other factors like the total invoice amount or dimensions like weight, and other such criteria applicable in your country.

For example:

  • If you live in Mexico, and the declared value of your ordered items is over $ 50, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 19% which will be $ 9.50 to the courier service.
  • Whereas if you live in Turkey, and the declared value of your ordered items is over € 22, for you to receive a package, you will have to pay additional import tax of 18% which will be € 3.96 to the courier service.
How can I cancel my order? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Cancellation Policy for Published Printed Books:

You can cancel any order within 1 hour of placing the order. Simply contact [email protected] with your order details or payment transaction id. If your order has already started the shipment process, we will do our best to stop it. However, if it is already on the way to you then when you receive it, you can contact us at [email protected] using the returns and refund process.

Please understand that Packt Publishing cannot provide refunds or cancel any order except for the cases described in our Return Policy (i.e. Packt Publishing agrees to replace your printed book because it arrives damaged or material defect in book), Packt Publishing will not accept returns.

What is your returns and refunds policy? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Return Policy:

We want you to be happy with your purchase from Packtpub.com. We will not hassle you with returning print books to us. If the print book you receive from us is incorrect, damaged, doesn't work or is unacceptably late, please contact Customer Relations Team on [email protected] with the order number and issue details as explained below:

  1. If you ordered (eBook, Video or Print Book) incorrectly or accidentally, please contact Customer Relations Team on [email protected] within one hour of placing the order and we will replace/refund you the item cost.
  2. Sadly, if your eBook or Video file is faulty or a fault occurs during the eBook or Video being made available to you, i.e. during download then you should contact Customer Relations Team within 14 days of purchase on [email protected] who will be able to resolve this issue for you.
  3. You will have a choice of replacement or refund of the problem items.(damaged, defective or incorrect)
  4. Once Customer Care Team confirms that you will be refunded, you should receive the refund within 10 to 12 working days.
  5. If you are only requesting a refund of one book from a multiple order, then we will refund you the appropriate single item.
  6. Where the items were shipped under a free shipping offer, there will be no shipping costs to refund.

On the off chance your printed book arrives damaged, with book material defect, contact our Customer Relation Team on [email protected] within 14 days of receipt of the book with appropriate evidence of damage and we will work with you to secure a replacement copy, if necessary. Please note that each printed book you order from us is individually made by Packt's professional book-printing partner which is on a print-on-demand basis.

What tax is charged? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Currently, no tax is charged on the purchase of any print book (subject to change based on the laws and regulations). A localized VAT fee is charged only to our European and UK customers on eBooks, Video and subscriptions that they buy. GST is charged to Indian customers for eBooks and video purchases.

What payment methods can I use? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

You can pay with the following card types:

  1. Visa Debit
  2. Visa Credit
  3. MasterCard
  4. PayPal
What is the delivery time and cost of print books? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Shipping Details

USA:

'

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the US within 10-15 business days

Premium: Trackable Delivery to most addresses in the US within 3-8 business days

UK:

Economy: Delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 7-9 business days.
Shipments are not trackable

Premium: Trackable delivery to most addresses in the U.K. within 3-4 business days!
Add one extra business day for deliveries to Northern Ireland and Scottish Highlands and islands

EU:

Premium: Trackable delivery to most EU destinations within 4-9 business days.

Australia:

Economy: Can deliver to P. O. Boxes and private residences.
Trackable service with delivery to addresses in Australia only.
Delivery time ranges from 7-9 business days for VIC and 8-10 business days for Interstate metro
Delivery time is up to 15 business days for remote areas of WA, NT & QLD.

Premium: Delivery to addresses in Australia only
Trackable delivery to most P. O. Boxes and private residences in Australia within 4-5 days based on the distance to a destination following dispatch.

India:

Premium: Delivery to most Indian addresses within 5-6 business days

Rest of the World:

Premium: Countries in the American continent: Trackable delivery to most countries within 4-7 business days

Asia:

Premium: Delivery to most Asian addresses within 5-9 business days

Disclaimer:
All orders received before 5 PM U.K time would start printing from the next business day. So the estimated delivery times start from the next day as well. Orders received after 5 PM U.K time (in our internal systems) on a business day or anytime on the weekend will begin printing the second to next business day. For example, an order placed at 11 AM today will begin printing tomorrow, whereas an order placed at 9 PM tonight will begin printing the day after tomorrow.


Unfortunately, due to several restrictions, we are unable to ship to the following countries:

  1. Afghanistan
  2. American Samoa
  3. Belarus
  4. Brunei Darussalam
  5. Central African Republic
  6. The Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Eritrea
  8. Guinea-bissau
  9. Iran
  10. Lebanon
  11. Libiya Arab Jamahriya
  12. Somalia
  13. Sudan
  14. Russian Federation
  15. Syrian Arab Republic
  16. Ukraine
  17. Venezuela