Introduction
There are several types of leadership models that exist to suit different organizations. While some industries require the strict following of the rules, others look for a creative approach. Company W belongs to the banking industry and requires a set of guidelines for their leaders. The manual for it would include a description of attributes that are associated with the bureaucratic leadership style, which is based on corresponding with standard procedures.
Industry Overview
Company W is a private bank that offers a range of standard operations to its customers, including deposit accounts, loans, transactions, etc. The banking industry has a set of rules and guidelines that determine its internal functioning. Most of its processes rely on the local socioeconomic factors like inflation rate, political stability, a level of unemployment, etc. For instance, the higher inflation rate is, the higher loan interest is charged by a bank. Company W has to comply with these rules to stay competitive.
All procedures associated with customer service in a bank are routine. There is a number of required documents that need to be verified, signed, or shared. This industry does not leave much space for creativity. The only negotiable factor is the terms of an agreement, e.g. whether a customer wishes to deposit money for three or for five years. Thus, Company W would look for a leader that should make its personnel follow the standard procedures accurately and in a timely manner.
Leadership Style
Description
The bureaucratic leadership style is the one that encourages employees to follow the rules strictly and without any personal initiatives (“Leadership Styles: Choosing the Right Approach for the Situation.”). Bureaucratic leaders do not seek for a creative approach among their subordinates and often charge them for any actions that do not fit the protocol. Rules usually define working time, communication strategies, safety measures, and actions required to take during conflict situations.
Reasoning
As it was mentioned above, banks have a set of standard operations. All customers must be treated equally, and they often receive the same documents supported by default instructions. Managers working in a bank must precisely follow the code of ethics, be helpful, and execute all operations according to the local legislation and company rules. This routine work must be controlled by a branch leader that would ensure all regulations are followed.
Attributes
Bureaucratic leaders are highly responsible for their actions. Responsibility is one of the traits that belongs to the habit of being proactive (Covey 78). They realize that inability to comply with the rules may result in the failure of the whole business, and there may be legal charges in a case with the banking industry. Another attribute of this style is being goal-oriented. Employees do not contribute to company’s goals as unique individuals, but rather execute a range of necessary procedures.
Leader Example
Most of the famous leaders rather act in other styles, being charismatic and inspiring. Bureaucratic leaders are often invisible, serving as a part of a grand business mechanism. Apart from a private sector, military and government commanders are the ones who exercise this leadership style. Winston Churchill, although being quite charismatic, always complied with the official protocol and gave orders without sentiments to get the work done (Axelrod 63).
Conclusion
Company W should look for a manager that would act as a highly responsible and task oriented leader. The bureaucratic approach should encourage other people to do their work efficiently. Formalities are valuable when they serve to control the processes associated with dependence on the state’s economics and politics.
Works Cited
Axelrod, Alan. Winston Churchill, CEO: 25 Lessons for Bold Business Leaders. Sterling Publishing Co., Inc, 2009.
Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. 25th ed., Simon & Schuster, 2013.
“Leadership Styles: Choosing the Right Approach for the Situation.” MindTools, 2015, Web.