Thinking that one leadership style is the only style seems rather pompous. There are different types and brands of blood pressure pills to lower blood pressure depending on the cause, so why would we think we need only one type of leader. Sometimes I have to make a decision for which I do not ask for external participation. For example the attendance policy. I decided what a fair policy would be, how many points would be awarded for each call, and how long each point would remain active. The situation didn't need a meeting, it didn't need input from others. I used a laisse faire style when nurses complained about medication turnaround times. I simply gave them the task of developing a standardized therapy time and letting me know. When I hold a risk meeting I have several nurses and other disciplines present to assist in troubleshooting risk behaviors and that also means trying new techniques. Every situation is different and it is my responsibility, as a leader, to know what style would work best in each situation; sometimes it also depends on the people involved. Some staff need a leader who stands back, others need one who manages them effectively. So not only do I have to know the situation, I also have to be sensitive to the people involved, because for me it is important to know the staff I work with