Situational Leadership

What is situational leadership?

Situational leadership is the idea that there is no single best leadership style; instead, effective leaders adapt their approach to the situation and, in particular, to the development level of the person they are leading on a given task. The model was developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard.

It gives managers a practical way to flex between directing and empowering, and it complements a coaching approach by clarifying when to coach and when to give more direction, as discussed under manager as coach.

Why situational leadership matters

Applying the same style to everyone fails: a new starter needs more direction, while an experienced expert needs space. Situational leadership helps managers give each person the right balance of support and direction, which improves performance and development. It is one of the most widely taught practical leadership models.

The four styles

Leaders flex across four styles based on the person’s competence and commitment for the task:

• Directing. High direction, low support, for those new to a task.
• Coaching. High direction and high support, as skills grow.
• Supporting. Low direction, high support, for capable but less confident people.
• Delegating. Low direction and low support, for those able and motivated.

Related terms

• Servant Leadership
• Transformational Leadership
• Manager as Coach
• Leadership Development

Help managers flex their style

Knowing when to direct and when to coach is a skill. Coachello helps managers build the self-awareness and range to adapt their leadership to each person and situation.

Develop adaptable managers. Book a demo.