What is a Democratic Leadership Style? This is How it Can Help Your Team
Regardless of your political views, you probably see democracy as an important pillar of the systems that uphold society. Yet few people think about bringing democracy into the workplace. A democratic leadership style is a way of leading that encourages participation and inclusivity– and it might be just the thing that you and your team need to thrive.
“Democratic leadership seeks to empower people’s participation at every touchpoint through powerfully facilitating conversations, interaction, and feedback. It is cultivated through shared experiences, where people are able to share their ideas across the team, group, and company,” says Julia Armet, People & Culture consultant and founder of the Higher Playbook, a people and culture consultancy for socially conscious brands to rehumanize their workplaces. “These opportunities for contribution give way to democratic cultures where people feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Examples of a democratic leadership style
If you’re wondering how democratic leadership works in action, and how people get work done in an environment where it’s prioritized, Armet shares three examples that you’ll probably recognize. Chances are, you’ve been exposed to democratic leadership without even realizing it.
The open-door policy
If leaders in your organization invite people to connect freely with them at any time while truly meaning it and cultivating a safe space for people to feel comfortable being open, that’s an example of democratic leadership in action. From touching base to sharing ideas, democratic leaders bring out the insights and creativity of everyone on the team.
The impact initiative
This peer-to-peer culture initiative brings team members together to conceptualize and drive forward a project that supports the group or company mission. If your team or company practices this, you may already be exposed to democratic leadership practices.
Ask the CEO anything
Armet describes this type of meeting as “an interactive all-hands or fire-side with the CEO.” It’s a powerful way to transcend hierarchical power dynamics and foster meaningful conversations at all levels of the company.
“In this format, everyone is able to have a voice in the discussion and transparency is encouraged and celebrated.”
Benefits of embracing democratic leadership
“Democratic leadership has many benefits when it comes to the subjective well-being of people, and subsequently, their individual contribution to workplace culture,” says Armet.
And when people are validated, acknowledged, and empowered by their leaders to show up and share as the valuable contributors they are, the benefits speak for themselves:
- Higher levels of morale
- Greater sense of purpose at work
- More meaningful workplace relationships
- Higher levels of innovation
- Upward mobility opportunities
- Increased longevity and retention
Dos and don’ts of implementing democratic leadership
Convincing stuff, right? But if you want to implement democratic leadership in your team, you need to commit to walking your talk. Here are some dos and don’ts of implementing a democratic leadership philosophy, according to Armet. If you follow these tips, your team will be reaping the benefits of this approach in no time.
