Which leadership style is demonstrated when a nurse manager reprimands a staff member for missing tasks, and insists tasks should be completed anyway when the staff tries to explain?

• A. Democratic
• B. Laissez-faire
• C. Autocratic
• D. Free reign

Answer: (C)

Autocratic leadership centers on the leader making decisions unilaterally and expecting firm obedience, with little room for staff input or discussion. In this scenario, the nurse manager reprimands a staff member for missing tasks and insists the tasks be completed regardless of the staff member’s attempt to explain. That direct, controlling approach, with emphasis on obedience and punishment rather than collaboration or discussion, is characteristic of autocratic leadership.

Democratic leadership would involve inviting the staff member’s input and explaining decisions after weighing feedback. Laissez-faire leadership is more hands-off, giving staff substantial freedom with minimal direction. Free rein is similar to laissez-faire, implying very little guidance or supervision. The situation described aligns best with autocratic leadership because of the reprimand and insistence on completion without considering the staff’s explanation.