Laissez-Faire Leadership
What Is Laissez-Faire Leadership?
Laissez-faire leadership—also known as delegative leadership—is a hands-off managerial style. Derived from the French phrase for “let them do,” it’s a framework based on minimal overhead and team autonomy.
When following this framework, leaders communicate a vision or long-term goal and then transfer all remaining decision-making power to their employees.
Leaders who follow this style believe people perform best when left alone. These managers delegate authority and trust their team to get the work done.
Features of Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-faire leaders can check off the following characteristics—each representing a key feature of the “let them be” approach:
Relaxed policies. You have no strict policies or procedures. Employees can complete their responsibilities however they see fit.
Minimal interference. Leaders rarely get involved in day-to-day operations. After goals are communicated, managers take a step back and stay out of the way—giving their team the power to perform how they wish.