What is Autocratic Leadership in Nursing? (PLUS Pros VS. Cons, Characteristics, & How to Become)
Written By:
Darby Faubion
Darby Faubion RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Darby lives in Louisiana and loves exploring the state’s rich culture and history. Darby has a passion for caring for veterans and a special interest in those affected by post-traumatic stress disorder. In her quest to make a difference for veterans, she founded a non-profit called “Operation Battle Buddy.” Read Full Bio »» RN, BSN, MBA
If you are a nurse leader or want to pursue a leadership role in nursing, you are likely aware that there are many types of leadership styles. While some leaders incorporate characteristics of several leadership styles, others tend to operate within one style. One type of leadership that is often a stand-alone style is autocratic leadership in nursing.
Maybe you have worked with a boss or team leader who acted as though they could single-handedly guide the team and preferred not to consult anyone on the team for input or opinions. Perhaps that leader had the "It's my way or the highway" mentality. If this sounds familiar, you may have worked with an autocratic nurse leader. Does this make you wonder exactly what is autocratic leadership in nursing? As you continue reading, I will answer that question, discuss some of the pros and cons of this leadership style and the characteristics of autocratic nurse leaders. I will also tell you how you can become one.
What is Autocratic Leadership in Nursing?
Autocratic leadership in nursing is a leadership style also known as authoritarian leadership. This leadership style is characterized by a leader who has complete control over all decisions affecting a team. In this type of leadership, leaders use their own ideas and judgments to make decisions and rarely accept advice from team members. At times, autocratic nurse leaders may assert their authority in an “over the edge” sort of way to drive employee performance or make others fall in line with their way of doing things.
3 Main Pros of Autocratic Leadership in Nursing
Because autocratic leaders seem to have a stern approach and are very goal-oriented rule-followers, some people do not favor this type of leadership, especially considering that nurses are known to be compassionate and kind, with a more gentle nature. However, autocratic leadership in nursing can be an effective leadership style, especially if you have a good understanding of your team, your organization, and your responsibilities. The following are a few of the advantages of this leadership style in nursing.
Pro #1: Autocratic Leadership Often Leads to Increased Productivity
The strength and confidence of autocratic nurse leaders are associated with good planning strategies. Because autocratic nurse leaders have a vision of the expectations for their teams, they are most likely to provide clear instructions, delegate tasks to appropriate staff, and implement measures for better quality standards, which leads to improved work quality and increased productivity.
I have a friend who is the nursing director of a large emergency department, and she is very much an example of an autocratic leader. Because she is so matter-of-fact, has strict rules for her staff, and follows company guidelines so carefully, her department runs smoothly. Her leadership style makes it possible to handle a large influx of patients with varying degrees of emergency situations. When you think of the different settings where nurse leaders work, it is easy to see that some departments can truly benefit from an autocratic leadership style in nursing.
Pro #2: There Is a Clear Chain-of-Command
One thing every nurse knows is that there is a proper chain of command and that following the chain of command is essential. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I have always believed in the importance of teaching students and staff why we have a chain of command and how to properly follow that chain to get things done. While there are times when we may need to go above our immediate supervisor, it is still important to follow appropriate guidelines in the chain.
Autocratic leadership in nursing reflects an authoritarian approach to leadership, which means the leader has control over all decisions for the group. The chain of command in this type of leadership is clear, and all team members are aware that there are no exceptions to following the chain. While some people may find this frustrating at times, when the chain of command is clear, team members know who to go to for direction or clarity.
Pro #3: Clearly Defined Roles and Expectations May Reduce Confusion and Conflict
Autocratic nurse leaders are known to establish well-defined expectations for each member of their teams. When team members know the expectations of their role and have clear direction, there is less chance of confusion about what they need to do and when. Having clearly defined roles also reduces the risk of conflicts among team members, as each person is aware of the tasks they must accomplish and how their individual role contributes to the team. This is especially important in nursing because at any given time, nurses can be responsible for the care of several patients. Having a leader who takes charge, defines roles, and makes expectations clear can help improve patient safety, patient health outcomes, and professional outcomes.
3 Main Cons of Autocratic Leadership in Nursing
Although there are some significant advantages to the autocratic leadership style in nursing, there are also some negative things to consider about this type of leadership. I want to encourage you to remember that the cons of this leadership style do not mean you cannot succeed as an autocratic nurse leader. Knowing the pros and cons and approaching your team with the right attitude is instrumental in succeeding with autocratic leadership in nursing. The following are a few cons to consider if you feel this type of leadership style suits you.
Con #1: Autocratic Nurse Leaders Are the Only One with Decision-Making Authority
One of the biggest cons of the autocratic leadership style in nursing is that the leader is the sole authority when it comes to making decisions that affect the team. This type of leader may come across as someone who dictates every method or process of the workflow, and they expect subordinates to follow their direction without question. Because nurses are taught to be critical thinkers and must often make split-second decisions, dealing with someone who considers themselves the only authority can be frustrating.
Con #2: Team Members Feel Their Knowledge and Skills Are Not Important
An autocratic leader in nursing is likely to overlook the experience and expertise that some members can add to the team, opting to make independent decisions and then pass along their expectations to the team. Unfortunately, when this occurs, even the most experienced and willing members feel discouraged and often refrain from offering valuable insight. Researchers have found that teams that work with a leader whose only approach is an autocratic leadership style eventually end up having decreased work production and poor work quality.
Con #3: Employee Morale Often Suffers Under this Type of Leadership
A major disadvantage of the autocratic leadership style in nursing is that it can negatively impact team morale. The
decline in employee morale associated with autocratic leadership is often due to the fact that team members do not feel free to make individual contributions to the team, but rather are expected to be followers. Since people are usually happier and perform better when they feel their contributions are valued, the inability to do so can leave them feeling useless and dissatisfied with their jobs.
7 Main Characteristics of an Autocratic Leader
If you know anything about autocratic leadership, chances are, you can pick an autocratic leader in nursing out of the crowd rather quickly. The following are seven main characteristics of nurse leaders who utilize the autocratic leadership style.
Characteristic #1: Autocratic Leaders Exude Self-Confidence
Self-confidence is essential for nurses, as our jobs involve caring for others. One of the most common characteristics of an autocratic leader in nursing is that they have a deep sense of self-confidence. Autocratic nurse leaders trust their abilities and judgments, and their ability to demonstrate self-confidence is one way to help build the team's confidence in them as leaders.
Characteristic #2: They Are Good Motivators
Although autocratic leaders often come across as staunch or strict, their willingness to lead by example is a strong motivator for team members who want to succeed. Many autocratic leaders in nursing not only set high standards and expectations but also offer incentives for team members who accomplish goals. The effort they put into establishing achievable goals and guiding team members by example is good motivation that usually results in positive individual, team, and organizational outcomes.
Characteristic #3: Autocratic Nurse Leaders Are Visionaries
An essential characteristic of autocratic leaders in nursing is the ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for their organizations. Autocratic nurse leaders are visionaries who not only have a vision for their team and organization but also have a strong determination to follow through and make those dreams become reality.
Characteristic #4: Dependability Is a Key Characteristic
Autocratic nurse leaders value organizational rules and guidelines and use them to establish strict team rules, goals, and processes. Because order is so important to them, you can depend on a nursing leader who is autocratic to be consistent with the way they lead teams and the manner in which they perform their own duties. This is one characteristic that administrative personnel look for in candidates seeking leadership roles in nursing, because they know they can rely on this type of leader to maintain order.
Characteristic #5: Autocratic Nursing Leaders Are Goal Oriented
One important characteristic of the autocratic leadership style in nursing is that these nurse leaders are highly goal-oriented. Leaders know what jobs need to be accomplished, create detailed plans for accomplishing them, and expect team members to follow their guidelines to reach goals on the timeline they establish.
Characteristic #6: Excellent Critical Thinking Skills
As a nurse educator, I have always stressed the fact that one of the most important skills nurses can develop is the ability to be a critical thinker.
Critical thinking skills in nursing are especially crucial for autocratic nurse leaders, as this type of leader is typically the sole authority for a group or team. Whether you must make quick decisions about how to handle staffing issues, patient safety issues, or other critical matters, critical thinking skills will help you succeed in your role, especially as an autocratic nurse leader.
Characteristic #7: Often Seen as a “Loner”
Autocratic leaders in nursing are known to keep their leadership roles separate from their team members and are often looked at as loners. Some people may even think they are antisocial. However, I believe that is a bit of a stretch. For the most part, the "loner" mentality comes from the fact that autocratic leaders know they are the boss, have a set way of how they want things accomplished, and have little time to entertain anything other than the task at hand.
How To Become a Successful Autocratic Leader in Nursing?
Being a leader in nursing takes hard work and dedication. To be honest, there were days when I questioned whether the hard work was worth it. At the end of the day, though, I believed if I could look back and see where I made a positive impact on one patient, their loved one, or one team member, it was a good day and well worth the effort!
There are many qualities of good nurse leaders and steps you can follow to become a good leader. The following are some important steps to help you become a successful autocratic leader in nursing.
Step #1: Practice Personal Accountability
Good autocratic nurse leaders take responsibility for their decisions. Even if you make a decision that you later regret, being accountable and owning up to it is crucial. If you take responsibility for your actions, your team will see this and mimic your behavior, resulting in a sense of predictability and order within your team or organization.
Step #2: Build Trusting Relationships
Although autocratic leadership has many advantages, because this type of leader is often misunderstood, it is important to get to know the people who work with you and to build trusting relationships with them. A few things you can do to help build trusting relationships is to lead by example. In other words, be the first to follow the rules you establish for your team. Be consistent with how you handle team members, being careful to avoid showing favoritism. Also, if you make promises, follow through with them.
One of the first nursing directors I worked with had an autocratic leadership style. She was very "by the book" and expected every nurse on her staff to be that way. Although we had different opinions about some things, and I may have chosen a different approach in some matters, had I been the nursing director, I learned to appreciate her because she was constant. She did not shift back and forth between different opinions. She led by example, and she kept her word. That, my friend, is why she was successful as an autocratic leader in nursing.
Step #3: Learn to Communicate!
Effective communication is the key to success for all nurses, no matter what leadership style you follow. Autocratic leadership in nursing is certainly no exception. As an autocratic leader, you must be able to communicate at a level that your team understands. Your communication should be open and direct, outlining goals and expected outcomes. Failure to communicate can have severe negative consequences for your team.
Step #4: Try to Incorporate Benevolence Into Your Leadership Approach
Autocratic leadership in nursing is considered an authoritarian type of leadership. However, that does not mean you have to be hard-nosed or unyielding at all times. If you want to be a successful autocratic nurse leader, consider the importance of incorporating kindness, consideration, and compassion into your leadership style, traits known as benevolence.
One way I try to incorporate benevolence is to acknowledge the fact that each person on my team is an essential member with unique qualities and that they can add value to the team in ways I cannot. By demonstrating benevolence, we as nurse leaders, can help improve employee morale, which is a plus as autocratic leadership is all too often associated with low morale.
Step #5: Provide Your Team with Necessary Tools and Resources
Good leaders understand the importance of having the right tools and resources available to get a job done. If you hope to be successful with the style of autocratic leadership in nursing, one step you can take to do so is to make sure you take care of your team's needs. You can ensure your team has appropriate tools, resources, and technology by allocating and distributing resources wisely and advocating on behalf of your team to obtain the things you need.
Step #6: Establish Clear Guidelines or Rules
One characteristic of autocratic leadership is that it thrives on detailed structure. To succeed as an autocratic nurse leader, you must learn to create and clearly outline guidelines, expectations, and processes by which goals should be met. Then, you must communicate these guidelines and rules so that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities. By following this step, you can help reduce confusion and promote a more cohesive and productive work environment. As a result, patient safety and satisfaction rates increase, and patients experience improved health outcomes.
Step #7: Acknowledge Others’ Contributions
A crucial step to succeeding with the autocratic leadership style in nursing is to remember that you cannot become a leader without a team to lead. Therefore, it is important that you
acknowledge the contributions your team members make. For many autocratic leaders, this step is a bit tricky because autocratic leadership is known to be more directive than supportive. However, if you take the time to acknowledge milestones and achievements, you can make a big difference in how your team members view you as a leader.
My Final Thoughts
In nursing, there are many types of leadership styles, each with pros and cons. Where you work, the type of team you lead, and your group’s responsibilities each determine the leadership style that is most effective. In this article, I answered the important question, “What is autocratic leadership in nursing?”
If you feel following the style of autocratic leadership in nursing suits you, you can implement the tips from this article to help build a strong team. Remember, if you demonstrate the
qualities of a good nurse, you can lead teams of excellent nurses who thrive on improving patient, team, and organizational outcomes!
List Of Sources Used For This Article
1.
“What Is Autocratic Leadership? Characteristics, Strengths, and Weaknesses of Autocratic Leadership" (
verywellmind.com)
2.
“What Is Critical Thinking in Nursing? (With Examples, Importance, and How to Improve)” (
nursingprocess.org)
3.
“Autocratic Leadership Style” (
simplypsychology.org)
4.
“Understanding Communication in Nursing (with Examples, Importance, and How to Improve)” (
nursingprocess.org)
5.
“Why Acknowledging Your Team Members Is Critical to Your Success” (
entrepreneur.com)
6.
“30 Qualities of a Good Nurse- Do You Have Them?” (
nursingprocess.org)
Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.