To think that one leadership style is the only one seems rather pompous. There are several different types and brands of blood pressure pills to lower blood pressure depending on the cause, so why would we think we only need one type of leader. Sometimes I have to make the decision not to ask for outside 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 laissez-faire style when nurses complained about medication processing times. I simply tasked them with developing a standardized medication timeline and letting me know. When I have a risk meeting, several nurses and other disciplines are present to help me problem-solve risky behaviors, which 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 employees need a leader who takes more perspective, others need one to manage them effectively. So not only do I have to know the situation, but I also have to be sensitive to the people involved and understand why it's important for me to know the staff I work with.