Which leadership style is demonstrated when a nurse manager allows staff to choose which weekend they work before the schedule is completed?

• A. Autocratic
• B. Democratic
• C. Laissez-Faire
• D. Supplemental

Answer: (C)

Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach in which the leader steps back and lets the team make decisions about their work. In this scenario, the nurse manager allows staff to choose which weekend shifts they work before the schedule is completed. That transfer of scheduling decisions to the staff shows trust in their ability to manage their own time and coordinate with colleagues, embodying autonomy and empowerment. This style works best when the team is competent and self-directed, and it can boost motivation and ownership over patient care. It contrasts with an autocratic approach, where the manager would assign weekend shifts without input, and with a democratic approach, which involves more structured discussion and consensus but still maintains the manager’s overall influence. The term used here isn’t a standard leadership style, so the key takeaway is the clear delegation of scheduling decisions to the staff, hallmark of laissez-faire.