Authoritarian Leadership Style

As a summer camp counselor, I am responsible for many different kids from different backgrounds. These kids do not always have guidance from an adult. If they do have a parent figure, the adult most likely utilizes different leadership styles to raise the child. Dealing with 10-12 year olds is difficult because they often believe they are in charge. I frequently had issues with the campers not listening for the first few days of camp, which is when the authoritarian style came to use. In order to have a bond with the campers and not be viewed as another evil adult, I tried to give them as much freedom as possible through the utilization of the laissez-faire style. In order to successfully control the kids without receiving resentment, I had

As John Maner stated, “Neither strategy is necessarily better than the other.” Through experience, I have confirmed this claim when referring to dealing with children as a counselor. Authoritarian style leadership is good when trying to get campers to listen and behave. Though, too much of the authoritarian style, and the children resent you. If campers were to resent me, I would not be able to effectively do my job: make the week as fun as possible for the kids. This would lead to my own discontent with my job, possibly leading me to quit. However, if I do not use authoritarian style in addition to laissez-faire leadership style, the kids will not listen to me. Laissez-faire style is effective in allowing the children to have fun and look up to their counselors as role models. However, if there is too much freedom, the children would run wild and possibly harm themselves or others, and potentially damage camp property. My job is not only to make sure the campers are having fun, but it is also to make sure they are safe. If the kids are not safe, I have failed my job, which may result in my dismissal. Too much of either style, and I have failed my job, which is why it is necessary to balance both styles in order to effectively earn the children’s respect while also allowing them to have