Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Certification Practice Test

What is the correct order of leadership styles according to Ashridge Management College?

1. Consults, sells, tells, joins

2. Tells, sells, consults, joins

3. Joins, consults, tells, sells

4. Sells, tells, joins, consults

The correct answer is: Tells, sells, consults, joins

The correct order of leadership styles according to Ashridge Management College is based on the relationship between the leader's level of involvement and the decision-making process. The first style, "tells," indicates a directive approach where the leader makes decisions and provides clear instructions to the team without seeking input. Following this is the "sells" style, where the leader presents decisions but also seeks to persuade and gain buy-in from team members. This approach acknowledges the need for some level of engagement while still maintaining control over the decision. Next in the sequence is "consults," which involves the leader engaging with the team and soliciting their opinions and feedback before making a decision. This style fosters collaboration and demonstrates respect for team members' expertise. Finally, the "joins" style signifies a fully participative approach, where the leader and team work together to make decisions collaboratively. This style empowers team members and encourages shared responsibility. This progression from "tells" to "joins" highlights an increasing level of participation from team members, emphasizing the value of collaboration and feedback in effective leadership. This framework helps leaders determine their approach based on the context and the needs of their team, facilitating better decision-making and team dynamics.