Numbers: Leadership Styles 

Not all leaders are created equal. While some take a more hands-on approach, others prefer to remain in the background or even hand the baton to their second in charge. As leadership styles continue to evolve, one thing is certain: every leader has a definitive style. Here’s what respondents reported as their method of leading according to the 2025 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey. 

Direct involvement: 36% “I get dirty on the shop floor and lead by example.” 
Visionary: 15% “I focus on the big picture and inspire my team to succeed.” 
Democratic: 23% “I encourage my staff’s input in decision-making.”
Hands-Off: 24% “I trust my team with key decisions and am not afraid to delegate.”
Authoritarian: 2% “It’s my way or it doesn’t get done.”