Laissez-Faire Leadership: How Laissez-Faire Leadership Works

The laissez-faire leadership style, also referred to as delegative leadership, is a type of leadership where leaders allow team members to direct their own decision-making. Loosely translated from its French-language origins, “laissez-faire” means "leave it alone" or "let it be." The laissez-faire style is the opposite of [authoritarian leadership](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/autocratic-leadership-traits) or autocratic leadership, in which one leader has the power to make decisions without the input of other team members. Laissez-faire leaders place trust in team members to facilitate their own group performance without micromanagement. Leaders employing this hands-off approach still make themselves available to check in and provide [constructive criticism](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-give-good-feedback-at-work). Overall, the laissez-faire leadership style can be summarized in several characteristics: 1. __Delegation of tasks:__ Leaders provide training and support and are able to delegate jobs to the most qualified team members. 2. __Hands-off approach__: Laissez-faire management is mainly hands-off, meaning team members have the autonomy to develop their own decision-making processes and facilitate their own self-leadership qualities. Laissez-faire leaders have a high degree of trust in their direct reports, allowing them to complete tasks with minimal managerial interference. 3. __Provision of resources__: Leaders employing the laissez-faire management style can maximize its efficiency and success by providing teams with tools and other resources to attain their objectives and maintain a good work environment. Good laissez-faire leaders trust their teams, and they invest in their personal and professional development. The laissez-faire type of leadership can result in a high level of self-sufficiency in team members, boosting job satisfaction as well as retention. Employees often find the sense of independence empowering and are able to develop their [problem-solving skills](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-develop-problem-solving-skills) by finding creative solutions to the tasks they are closest to; this freedom to act without deferring to a manager at every turn can result in faster decision-making. Get the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) for exclusive access to video lessons taught by business luminaries, including Bob Iger, Chris Voss, Robin Roberts, Sara Blakely, Daniel Pink, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more. Learn about the characteristics and benefits of laissez-faire leadership, a leadership style that relies heavily on delegation.