Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a management style in which little to no input from employees is requested in decision-making processes. The autocratic leadership style is a top-down leadership approach in which upper-management or a central leader has the final say on all business-related decisions. The autocratic style stands in stark contrast to several other types of leadership, including laissez-faire leadership, [democratic leadership](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/participative-leadership), and transformational leadership, in which team members are granted a greater degree of influence on business-related decisions.

There are several notable characteristics that have come to define the autocratic leadership style in workplace environments. 

1. __Top-down decision-making__: Group members have little to no input on decisions. Team members are not entrusted with important choices. 
2. __Rigid work environment__: Strict rules can create an uptight environment. 
3. __Minimal teamwork among coworkers__: With clearly defined tasks and hierarchies, collaboration may not be rewarded or encouraged.
4. __Less need to take initiative__: Acting outside of your specific job description is typically frowned upon in an autocratic workplace.
5. __Few mentorship opportunities__: Autocratic leaders are typically not available for mentoring, and leadership roles are kept separate from the workforce. 

Though it may not be the most popular, the autocratic leadership style can work in certain environments. 

1. __Decisive leadership__: Autocratic leadership works best in environments where quick, authoritative leadership is needed to make difficult or complex decisions. For instance, an air traffic control tower or military base may benefit from autocratic leaders. 
2. __Efficient crisis management__: Crisis often calls for quick decision-making. When a company is facing an urgent need, authoritarian leaders are able to quickly make decisions without consulting a group of people. 
3. __Sets clear expectations__: The authoritarian style sets clear expectations for employees to follow. In addition, since there is a single group leader, the chain of command is unmistakable.

There are several drawbacks to consider regarding the autocratic style of leadership.

1. __Autocracies create rigid work environments__. Though rules and expectations may be clear, autocratic leadership can make work environments feel cold and unwelcoming. 
2. __Autocratic structures can inhibit employee potential__. Autocratic environments limit the potential of employees by restricting their ability to think creatively and share feedback. 
3. __Autocratic systems can hurt employee morale__. Employees may be less likely to enjoy their job if they feel that their voices are not important.
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Autocratic leadership leaves little room for delegating, creative problem-solving, or employee input. However, it can be an effective leadership style in environments that require decisive action.

Autocratic leadership leaves little room for delegating, creative problem-solving, or employee input. However, it can be an effective leadership style in environments that require decisive action.

Autocratic Leadership: 5 Traits of Autocratic Leadership 

Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is a management style in which little to no input from employees is requested in decision-making processes. The autocratic leadership style is a top-down leadership approach in which upper-management or a central leader has the final say on all business-related decisions. The autocratic style stands in stark contrast to several other types of leadership, including laissez-faire leadership, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/participative-leadership' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/participative-leadership","linkCopy":"democratic leadership","category":null}'>democratic leadership</a>, and transformational leadership, in which team members are granted a greater degree of influence on business-related decisions.

What Is Autocratic Leadership? 

There are several notable characteristics that have come to define the autocratic leadership style in workplace environments. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Top-down decision-making: Group members have little to no input on decisions. Team members are not entrusted with important choices. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Rigid work environment: Strict rules can create an uptight environment. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Minimal teamwork among coworkers: With clearly defined tasks and hierarchies, collaboration may not be rewarded or encouraged. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Less need to take initiative: Acting outside of your specific job description is typically frowned upon in an autocratic workplace. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Few mentorship opportunities: Autocratic leaders are typically not available for mentoring, and leadership roles are kept separate from the workforce. </li></ol>

5 Characteristics of Autocratic Leadership 

Though it may not be the most popular, the autocratic leadership style can work in certain environments. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Decisive leadership: Autocratic leadership works best in environments where quick, authoritative leadership is needed to make difficult or complex decisions. For instance, an air traffic control tower or military base may benefit from autocratic leaders. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Efficient crisis management: Crisis often calls for quick decision-making. When a company is facing an urgent need, authoritarian leaders are able to quickly make decisions without consulting a group of people. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Sets clear expectations: The authoritarian style sets clear expectations for employees to follow. In addition, since there is a single group leader, the chain of command is unmistakable. </li></ol>

3 Potential Benefits of Autocratic Leadership 

There are several drawbacks to consider regarding the autocratic style of leadership.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Autocracies create rigid work environments. Though rules and expectations may be clear, autocratic leadership can make work environments feel cold and unwelcoming. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Autocratic structures can inhibit employee potential. Autocratic environments limit the potential of employees by restricting their ability to think creatively and share feedback. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Autocratic systems can hurt employee morale. Employees may be less likely to enjoy their job if they feel that their voices are not important. </li></ol>

3 Potential Drawbacks of Autocratic Leadership

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Autocratic leadership leaves little room for delegating, creative problem-solving, or employee input. However, it can be an effective leadership style in environments that require decisive action.

Autocratic leadership leaves little room for delegating, creative problem-solving, or employee input. However, it can be an effective leadership style in environments that require decisive action.
