I would describe my leadership style as very democratic, because I value the opinions of the people I am working with. In leadership I really prioritize fostering collaboration, listening actively, and creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. When I am leading, I tend to adopt a relaxed demeanor, and I have found that this approach creates a positive and productive working environment. Personally, I know that when I have a relaxed boss, I am able to work to my fullest potential. In contrast, when I have worked under a micromanager or someone who was not approachable, I felt constrained, hesitant, and less motivated. That experience has shaped my belief that a leader’s tone and attitude directly influence the performance of their team.

A key component of democratic leadership is trust. To me, trusting the people on your team to handle their own tasks is essential. Of course, trust must be earned, and it is not always appropriate to give complete freedom in every situation. It is very much a case‑by‑case scenario. However, I think it is important to give individuals the opportunity to prove themselves. How they treat that opportunity is entirely up to them, but as a leader, I want to provide that chance. Alongside trust, setting clear expectations is equally important. When expectations are communicated clearly, team members not only receive guidance but also gain the ability to establish systems that work best for them. In this way, leadership becomes less about control and more about enabling success.

My internship has been a powerful example of how a democratic leadership style can succeed on a larger scale. The company I worked with was divided into four major teams, each with its own team leader, in addition to the CEO. What struck me most was that if I had not looked at the company’s organizational chart, I would not have been able to tell who was a manager versus who was a team member. Everyone interacted in a friendly, approachable manner, and there was no rigid hierarchy. This lack of visible hierarchy did not lead to chaos; instead, it created a peaceful environment where people could work in ways that suited them best. It was inspiring to see how leadership decisions shaped the culture of the office.

One of the most noticeable aspects of this leadership style was the freedom employees had to make themselves comfortable. The dress code was casual, which allowed people to express themselves without unnecessary restrictions. Employees were encouraged to decorate their desks, adding personal touches that made the workspace feel welcoming. There were also different spaces available for people to work in, so they were not confined to their desks all day. These small but meaningful decisions demonstrated that the leadership team trusted their team members and wanted the best for them. It was clear that the company believed that when employees are comfortable, they perform at their best.

Seeing this type of leadership style firsthand has been incredibly beneficial for my future. Up until now, most of my experiences have been in small or short‑term teams, where leadership dynamics are often less formal. This internship gave me the opportunity to observe how democratic leadership functions in a long‑term, larger group environment. From the perspective of an employee, this style made me feel both valued and trusted. I felt valued because the company clearly wanted me to perform at my best and provided the resources to make me comfortable and I  felt trusted with the tasks that were assigned to me independently. That balance between freedom and accountability is what makes democratic leadership so effective.

Reflecting on this experience, I am confident that it will make me a better leader in the future. I want to prioritize my team members in the same way that I was prioritized. Just as I appreciated feeling trusted and valued, I want to ensure that the people I lead feel the same way. Leadership, in my view, is not about authority but about service—providing the resources, support, and environment that allow others to thrive. I want to create spaces where my team members can be comfortable, express themselves, and perform at their highest level. By combining trust, support, and accountability, I hope to cultivate teams that are motivated, collaborative, and successful.

Ultimately, my internship reinforced my belief that democratic leadership is not only effective but also sustainable. It creates a culture of respect, collaboration, and trust that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole. As I continue to grow as a leader, I will carry these lessons with me, striving to build environments where people feel empowered to do their best work. Leadership is not about control—it is about unlocking potential. And I believe that by leading democratically, I can help others achieve their goals while also achieving mine.