Which leadership style is characterized by a hands-off approach?

The leadership style characterized by a hands-off approach is known as Laissez-faire. This approach is marked by allowing team members considerable freedom in how they complete their tasks. The leader typically provides minimal guidance and allows individuals to make decisions, encouraging autonomy and self-direction. In situations where team members are highly skilled and motivated, this style can foster innovation and personal responsibility, as individuals feel empowered to take ownership of their work.

In contrast, other leadership styles involve varying degrees of leader involvement. The democratic approach encourages participation and input from team members but still involves some level of oversight and decision-making by the leader. Authoritarian leadership is marked by a high level of control, with the leader making decisions unilaterally and expecting compliance from team members. Situational leadership requires the leader to adapt their style based on the context and the readiness of their team, which includes being more or less hands-on as appropriate. Thus, the distinctive aspect of Laissez-faire is its emphasis on minimal intervention from the leader, which is why it is the correct choice in this scenario.