In the Participating leadership style, how do leaders interact with team members?

In the Participating leadership style, leaders actively engage with their team members in the decision-making process. This collaborative approach fosters an environment where team members feel valued and empowered, as their opinions and insights are sought and considered. By involving them in discussions and allowing them to contribute to decisions, leaders not only enhance team morale and cohesion but also tap into the diverse skills and perspectives of the group. This can lead to more innovative solutions and a stronger commitment to the outcomes, as team members feel a sense of ownership over the shared goals.

The other options reflect leadership styles that do not prioritize collaboration. Making decisions independently suggests a more autocratic style, which can lead to disengagement among team members. A focus on directing the team leans towards a more authoritative approach, where input from team members is minimized. The hands-off approach is indicative of delegative leadership, where leaders provide little direction or involvement in decision-making, which may risk a lack of clarity and motivation within the team. Thus, the distinguishing feature of the Participating leadership style is the emphasis on teamwork and collective input in shaping decisions.