Researchers developed a model of leadership that focuses on who makes the decisions. They viewed leadership behavior on a continuum from autocratic (boss centered) to participative (employee centered). The continuum includes seven major styles from which a leader can choose. The leadership continuum model is used to determine which of seven styles of leadership, on a continuum from autocratic (boss centered) to participative (employee centered), is best for a given situation. Before selecting one of the leadership styles, the leader must consider three variables.