Which leadership style is aligned closely with participative decision-making?

The leadership style that aligns most closely with participative decision-making is the participative style itself. This approach emphasizes collaboration and input from team members in the decision-making process. Leaders who adopt this style actively seek the opinions, ideas, and feedback of their team members, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in outcomes.

By involving team members, the participative leadership style not only enhances morale but also leverages the diverse perspectives and expertise present within the group. This can lead to more informed and effective decisions, as team members may bring insights that the leader alone might not consider. It cultivates an environment where the team feels valued and empowered, which can enhance commitment to the decision made.

In contrast, the other styles mentioned focus on different dynamics. The delegating style gives authority to team members but does not actively involve them in the decision-making process. The selling style is more about persuading team members to understand and accept a decision made by the leader rather than involving them in the creation of that decision. The telling style is directive, providing clear instructions without soliciting input from team members, which does not promote a participative environment.