Final answer:
Melba's leader decision-making style at Gambit Sales, where she consults her team for input before making the final decision, is best described as consultative. Option number C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Melba, a department manager at Gambit Sales, exercises a leadership style where she counts on the skills, experiences, and ideas of others before making decisions, even though the final decision-making power rests with her. This approach aligns with the consultative leadership style.
Melba ensures to seek input from the team members who will be affected by the decisions, which is a characteristic of consultative leadership, where the leader solicits and considers feedback from the team but retains the authority to make the final decision.