A key characteristic of democratic leadership is?

Democratic leadership is characterized by a collaborative approach to decision-making. It fosters an environment where team members are encouraged to share their ideas and participate in discussions. This method not only values the input of employees but also enhances their engagement and commitment to the outcomes. While leaders in a democratic context do seek input from their team, they ultimately retain the authority to make final decisions. This balance is vital as it combines the benefits of collective insight with the practicality of leadership accountability.

The other options do not accurately reflect the principles of democratic leadership. For instance, relying solely on data-driven decisions overlooks the qualitative insights that team members can contribute. Similarly, a leadership style where employees have no input negates the essential participatory nature of democratic leadership. Lastly, emphasizing swift decision-making without consultation does not align with the cooperative spirit of encouraging discussion and input from team members.

Overall, the key characteristic of democratic leadership lies in its ability to blend team collaboration with decisive leadership, making option C the most accurate choice.