Final answer:
An effective management style for Heather at BrainZ, a small company of skilled software engineers, is likely to be transformational management, which promotes innovation, adaptability, and encourages critical thinking while balancing democratic involvement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heather, as the president of a small software engineering company like BrainZ, which handles complex projects and consists of highly skilled professionals, might find an effective management style in transformational management. This style involves leaders who are charismatic role models, inspirational, and who encourage critical thinking and problem solving while being individually considerate. It is well-suited to environments where innovation and adaptability are key to success. Within transformational leadership, Heather could foster a collaborative atmosphere that leverages the strengths of her highly skilled team while guiding them towards the company's goals.
In contrast, autocratic management could be less effective in this setting as it might stifle creativity and innovation, essential in the software development field. Also, laissez-faire management might risk a lack of direction and cohesion, crucial for project-based work. A democratic management approach could also be incorporated within the transformational framework, involving the team in decision making to build consensus and encourage engagement.