ABSTRACT
Lewin model of self-differentiated leadership, in a nutshell, consists of three capacities: take clear stands, stay connected, and manage the emotional sabotage. Lewin’s democratic principles of leadership hold the only corner of the triangle that combines leadership (or structure) and freedom. Lewin’s model emerged from research in which leadership styles were rotated so that groups of children experienced each. Initially two styles were identified—“democratic” and “authoritarian.” The democratic leader also told the kids what the task was, and then encouraged dialogue and influence. Lewin’s placing the democratic style into the triangle creates an effective situational frame. Highly experienced workers need leaders who will slide down the freedom axis, while being careful not to spill over into the laissez-faire. Every employee and every group should be involved in an ongoing dialogue regarding the right blend of the structure and the freedom.
