Overview
This lecture covers the situational leadership model, focusing on how leaders should adapt their style based on followers’ competence and commitment to maximize effectiveness.
Introduction to Situational Leadership
- Situational leadership was created by Ken Blanchard around 1969 and has evolved, with the latest model in 2013.
- It is a prescriptive leadership approach, recommending leaders adapt their behavior according to the situation.
- Leadership effectiveness depends on matching leadership style to the needs of the followers and the task.
Leadership Styles in Situational Leadership
- Two key dimensions: directive behaviors (leader sets direction, instructions) and supportive behaviors (leader provides encouragement and input).
- Four leadership styles result from combining these dimensions:
- S1: Directing (high directive, low supportive)
- S2: Coaching (high directive, high supportive)
- S3: Supporting (low directive, high supportive)
- S4: Delegating (low directive, low supportive)
Follower Development Levels
- Development level combines competence (skill) and commitment (motivation):
- D1: Low competence, high commitment — best matched with S1 (Directing).
- D2: Some competence, low commitment — best matched with S2 (Coaching).
- D3: High competence, variable commitment — best matched with S3 (Supporting).
- D4: High competence, high commitment — best matched with S4 (Delegating).
Matching Leadership Style with Follower Development
- Effective leaders diagnose follower development level and choose a leadership style that matches.
- The same follower may require different leadership styles for different tasks.
- Leaders must assess both the task requirements and the followers’ skills and motivation.
Strengths of Situational Leadership
- Widely recognized and practical for leader training.
- Easy to understand and apply in real-world settings.
- Provides clear guidance on which leadership style to use.
- Emphasizes leadership flexibility and adaptation.
Weaknesses of Situational Leadership
- Lacks extensive academic research backing.
- Does not explain how followers' competence and commitment develop over time.
- Provides little guidance on leading diverse groups with varying development levels.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Situational Leadership — a model prescribing leadership style based on follower readiness.
- Directive Behavior — one-way communication where leaders tell followers what, how, and when.
- Supportive Behavior — two-way communication involving encouragement and input.
- Competence — follower’s skill level for a specific task.
- Commitment — follower’s motivation and confidence for the task.
- Development Level — the combination of a follower’s competence and commitment.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the situational leadership grid for a visual summary.
- Prepare for the next lecture on servant leadership.