Which leadership style allows a leader to discuss alternate solutions but ultimately make the decision themselves?

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Study for the Leading Marines Developing Leaders Test. Enhance your leadership skills with multiple choice questions and insightful explanations. Ace your exam by mastering core leadership principles!

The leadership style that enables a leader to discuss alternate solutions while ultimately making the decision themselves is the participating style. This approach involves collaborative dialogue where the leader solicits input and ideas from team members, encouraging an open exchange of thoughts. However, the leader retains the authority to make the final decision.

This is beneficial in situations where team members' expertise and perspectives can enrich the decision-making process, while also allowing the leader to ensure that the final choice aligns with the overall goals and vision. It fosters a sense of inclusion among team members, making them feel valued and heard, which can enhance morale and commitment to the decision taken.

In contrast, the telling style is more directive, where the leader provides instructions without seeking input from the team. The selling style shares ideas and persuades team members to accept the decision, more focusing on convincing rather than on collaborative discussion. The delegating style, on the other hand, transfers the decision-making authority to the team members, thus removing the leader's direct involvement in the final decision. This highlights the unique collaborative aspect of the participating style, making it the correct answer.