What is a defining feature of an autocratic leadership style?

An autocratic leadership style is characterized by a leader who makes decisions unilaterally, providing clear and direct instructions on how tasks should be performed. This approach emphasizes authority and control, with the leader retaining the power to make decisions without seeking input from team members. The clarity in direction is a key aspect of this style, as it minimizes ambiguity and outlines specific steps for team members to follow.

In contrast, other leadership styles, such as democratic or collaborative approaches, focus on group input and collective decision-making. Autocratic leaders typically do not prioritize collaboration or encourage participation in the decision-making process, which distinguishes their approach from those styles. Therefore, the defining feature of an autocratic leadership style is indeed the provision of clear, defined directions for task execution.