Laissez-faire translates to "leave do" in French. It describes a system by which leadershiptakes a hands-off approach. Rather than attempting to micromanage, laissez-faire leaders allow their subordinates to work under their own direction to achieve a more general set of goals. Laissez-faire leaders may think that interfering less with the work environment enables employees to focus more intently
. to achieve results of higher quality, if not in greater quantity. One pitfall of the laissez-faire leadership style is the potential for employeeslacking off, and a reduction in productivity. However, a laissez-faire leader can stillmaintain high expectations for the final results, and can also delegate responsibility within a group of subordinates. To help motivate, such a leader can also offer incentives. A laissez-faire system spreads responsibility in a different way from other leadership styles. Employees set their own schedules, without needing to consult the leader for every decision made, and are free to toss around ideas in a team-work environment. Laissez-faire leadership generally works best when group members are knowledgeable and experienced, as well as used to working as a team. For more information, please see:http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/f/laissez-faire-leadership.htm
