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"Laissez-faire" leadership, from a French term, describes what kind of approach?

Hands-off, letting things ride.

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  1. Strict and commanding
  2. Rewards in exchange for effort
  3. Hands-off, letting things ride ✔

Why: Laissez-faire leaders put off decisions, give little feedback and stay out of the way. In the transformational and transactional model it counts as non-leadership. Supporters say it can suit a highly skilled, hardworking team.

Huh, didn't know that: In situational leadership, Learn to Lead views laissez-faire more positively, as trusting a well-trained team.

The dad joke
Why did the laissez-faire leader love hammocks? It's the ultimate hands-off position.
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References

Answer: Hands-off, letting things ride. Laissez-faire leaders put off decisions, give little feedback and stay out of the way. In the transformational and transactional model it counts as non-leadership. Supporters say it can suit a highly skilled, hardworking team.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 2, Chapter 7 (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Vol2LetterLowFinal_8BDFDB373E830.pdf
    a “hands-off” or “let things ride” approach in which the leader puts off making decisions, provides no feedback
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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