There are four basic decision-making styles that leaders can use:
Command: Command decision-making is where leaders make decisions without consulting their teams. This is an effective style, especially when things are moving quickly and the team is looking for immediate guidance. In a business setting, leaders use this style the most effectively on large financial decisions and in crisis situations. In “No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden” former Navy SEAL Mark Owen (pseudonym) tells of the key command decision that saved the mission. When the helicopter pilot inserting the roof assault team lost lift and knew the bird was going down, he immediately made the command decision to ditch the helicopter in the courtyard with a controlled crash landing. He did so successfully, without any injuries, and the assault team was able to continue their mission. In this type of scenario, there is no time to consult with the team about the best course of action.