Which leadership style relies on team members’ autonomy to achieve set objectives?

The leadership style that emphasizes team members’ autonomy to achieve set objectives is free-rein leadership. This style, also known as laissez-faire leadership, empowers team members to make decisions and take action independently. The leader provides minimal direction and allows individuals the freedom to explore innovative solutions and approaches to reach the team’s objectives.

In free-rein leadership, the leader trusts their team’s abilities and judgment, fostering an environment where creativity and personal responsibility can thrive. This can lead to high levels of motivation and job satisfaction among team members, as they feel a sense of ownership over their work. The focus is on results rather than how those results are achieved, which aligns closely with promoting autonomy.

Other leadership styles, such as autocratic leadership and transactional leadership, typically involve a more directive approach, where the leader makes decisions and expects compliance from the team, limiting autonomy. Participative leadership encourages team input but still involves some level of guidance and collaboration from the leader, rather than complete autonomy.