George is a project manager who is very open with his team. He invites questions and discussion, encourages suggestions and new ideas, considers them carefully, but ultimately chooses the course of action he personally believes is best. Which leadership style best characterizes George?

Introduction / Context:
Leadership style affects how a project manager interacts with the team and makes decisions. The scenario describes a manager who invites input, listens to ideas, and encourages discussion, but who ultimately makes decisions based on personal judgment. Understanding how this pattern fits into common leadership style categories is important for project management exams and for reflecting on real workplace behavior.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- George encourages questions, discussion, and new ideas from team members. - He considers this input carefully. - For all but minor decisions, he personally chooses the final course of action. - The question asks which leadership style best matches this behavior.

Concept / Approach:
In a consultative leadership style, the leader actively seeks input from team members, values their ideas, and uses the information gathered to make a better decision. However, the leader retains the final decision making authority. This differs from democratic or participative styles, where decisions are made collectively, often through voting or consensus. It also differs from autocratic styles, where the leader makes decisions with little or no input, and from laissez faire styles, where the leader provides minimal guidance.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognize that George does not simply decide alone; he invites input and discussion. Step 2: Note that despite seeking input, he still personally chooses the course of action. Step 3: Compare this pattern to definitions of consultative, democratic, participative, autocratic, and laissez faire leadership styles. Step 4: Identify consultative leadership as the style that seeks input but keeps the final decision with the leader.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, imagine whether the team votes on decisions or whether consensus is required. The scenario clearly says George personally chooses the course of action, which rules out democratic and fully participative approaches. At the same time, he does not ignore input or stay distant, which rules out strict autocratic and laissez faire styles. The remaining style that fits is consultative leadership.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is wrong because democratic leadership involves decisions made by majority vote, which is not described here. Option C is wrong because participative leadership typically emphasizes group consensus, rather than the leader deciding after consultation. Option D is wrong because benevolent autocratic leadership usually does not involve extensive consultation, even if the leader is kind. Option E is wrong because laissez faire leadership involves minimal direction from the leader, which is not consistent with George carefully choosing the course of action.

Common Pitfalls:
Learners often mix up consultative and participative styles because both involve discussion and input. The key difference is who makes the final decision. Another pitfall is to assume that any leader who listens to the team is automatically democratic, even when decision authority remains with the leader. For exam purposes, it is important to match the exact behaviors described in the scenario with the definitions of each leadership style.

Final Answer:
George is best described as using consultative leadership, where the leader seeks input but makes the final decision.