The commanding leadership style demands immediate compliance to its orders--Do what I tell you, without questioning. Though the commanding leadership style is the most aggressive, it is also the most effective in times of crisis. It is a style that accomplishes tasks by ordering and dictating, even demeaning followers at times.

This style is best used in situations where the organization or followers require a complete turnaround attempt which is quite urgent and there is no real time for active group discussions, such as in a crisis, during a disaster, and enforced health and safety compliance improvements under law. The pros and cons are as following:

• Pros: Soothes fear by giving clear direction in an emergency
• Cons: Drives away talent and contaminates everyone's mood (as emotions are contagious)

This style should only be used for short time frames, just to get the job done, as the long-term impact can be negative.