Steve Sammons

While going through one of the leadership classes on BiblicalTraining.org, the topic of contextualizing our leadership style arises. It is often observed that leaders stick to a single style throughout their leadership journey without adapting to different situations. Situational leadership, a theory developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, suggests that leaders should adjust their approach based on the developmental level of their followers. This model has gained widespread acceptance in the modern business world, making it one of the most commonly used leadership theories. This article aims to delve into the fundamentals of situational leadership and provide practical tips and techniques to help managers and leaders enhance their effectiveness in their respective roles.

What is Situational Leadership?

Situational leadership is a flexible, adaptable leadership style that considers followers’ development levels and adjusts leadership strategies accordingly. The theory suggests that there are four different leadership styles and that each style is appropriate for further development levels of followers. The four styles of situational leadership are:

1. Directing: The directing style is appropriate for followers who are new to a task and require clear guidance and direction. The leader takes a hands-on approach, providing step-by-step instructions and close supervision.
2. Coaching: The coaching style is appropriate for followers who have some basic knowledge and skills but need support and guidance as they work toward mastery. The leader provides support, advice, and feedback, helping followers develop their skills and confidence.
3. Supporting: The supporting style is appropriate for competent followers but needs more confidence. The leader provides reassurance and support, helping followers to build their confidence and increase their level of involvement.
4. Delegating: The delegating style is appropriate for fully competent and confident followers. The leader steps back, allowing followers to take responsibility and ownership of their tasks.

How to Use Situational Leadership Effectively

To use situational leadership effectively, leaders must be able to assess the development level of their followers and adjust their leadership style accordingly. Here are some practical tips and techniques to help leaders become more effective in their roles:

1. Assess development level: The first step in using situational leadership is to assess the development level of your followers. Consider factors such as experience, skills, knowledge, and confidence when making this assessment.
2. Choose the right style: Once you have assessed the development level of your followers, choose the appropriate leadership style for that level. Be mindful of the need to adapt your style as followers progress through the stages of development.
3. Provide clear guidance: When using the directing style, it is important to provide clear and concise guidance to followers. This will help them to understand their responsibilities and avoid confusion or misunderstandings.
4. Offer support and feedback: When using the coaching style, it is important to offer support and input to followers as they work towards mastery. This will help them to develop their skills and confidence and ultimately become more effective in their role.
5. Reassure and support: When using the supporting style, it is important to provide reassurance and support to competent followers who lack confidence. This will help them to build their confidence and increase their level of involvement.
6. Delegate responsibilities: When using the delegating style, it is important to delegate responsibilities to fully competent and confident followers. This will help them to take ownership of their tasks and become more effective in their role.

Positive Examples in Parenting

Here are a few examples of how parents can use situational leadership:

1. Letting kids spread their wings: As kids grow and become more confident, parents can step back and give them more control, like delegating chores or making small decisions on their own.
2. Being a supportive guide: When kids are eager to try something new, parents can be there for them like a coach, helping them figure things out and offering advice when needed.
3. Setting clear boundaries: When kids act out, parents may need to step in and set some rules, like a directive approach to let kids know what behavior is expected.
4. Helping kids work together: When kids are working on a project or task with others, parents can help keep everyone on track, using a supportive approach to encourage teamwork.
5. Building confidence: When kids are feeling down, parents can boost them by delegating tasks and letting them take the lead, empowering them to make decisions and feel more confident.

Positive Examples at Work

Here are a few examples of situational leadership in various industries and professions and how effective leaders adjust their style to meet the changing needs and development levels of those they lead.:

1. A manager in a software company: The manager adapts their leadership style to each team member’s development level and skills, using a directive style with new hires and a coaching style with more experienced team members.
2. A teacher in a school: The teacher uses a supportive style with struggling students but a directive style with those who have a good understanding of the material and need more structure to succeed.
3. A coach in a sports team: The coach uses a directive style during practices and games but also uses a coaching style to help individual players develop their skills and improve their performance.
4. A mentor in a startup: The mentor uses a coaching style to guide the founder in developing their business strategy and leadership skills, but also uses a directive style to provide specific feedback and advice.
5. A supervisor in a manufacturing plant: The supervisor uses a directive style to ensure the production line runs smoothly but also uses a coaching style to help employees develop their skills and improve their performance.

Positive Examples in Current Events

Here are a few examples of how situational leadership has been applied and recognized in the US.

1. General Stanley McChrystal (2010): General McChrystal was praised for his situational leadership style as the commander of US and coalition forces in Afghanistan. He used a coaching style with Afghan military and police leaders to build their capacity and a directive style with his own subordinates to ensure the mission was executed effectively.
2. Marillyn Hewson (2017): Marillyn Hewson, CEO of Lockheed Martin, was recognized for her situational leadership style, adapting her approach based on the needs and development levels of her employees and the company’s business units.
3. Tony Dungy (2007): Tony Dungy, former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, was recognized for his situational leadership style, which involved adapting his approach based on the strengths, weaknesses, and development levels of his players.
4. Ursula Burns (2009): Ursula Burns, the former CEO of Xerox, was recognized for her situational leadership style, which involved adapting her approach based on the changing needs of the company and its employees, leading to improved performance and results.
5. Peter Drucker (1999): Peter Drucker, the management consultant and author was recognized for his contributions to the field of situational leadership, including his development of the model and its application in organizations.

Positive Examples in Scripture

Here are a few examples of situational leadership throughout the Bible and how effective leaders adjust their style to meet the changing needs and development levels of those they lead.

1. Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt: Moses used a directive leadership style when he led the Israelites out of Egypt, but as they grew in their understanding of God and their faith, he adapted to a more coaching style. (Exodus 3-4)
2. Jesus and his disciples: Jesus used a variety of leadership styles with his disciples, depending on their level of development and understanding. For example, he used a directive style with Peter when he corrected him but a supportive style when he comforted him after his denial.  (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
3. Paul and Timothy: Paul used a coaching style with Timothy, guiding and supporting him as he grew in his ministry and leadership skills. (2 Timothy 1-2, Philippians 2)
4. Nehemiah led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls: Nehemiah used a directive leadership style to motivate and organize the people to rebuild the walls. He also used a supportive style to encourage and uplift them as they faced opposition. (Nehemiah 1-6)
5. Elijah and Elisha: Elijah used a directive style with Elisha, instructing him on what to do, but as Elisha grew in his faith and understanding, Elijah used a coaching style to guide him and help him develop his ministry. (1 Kings 19, 2 Kings 2)
6. David and his army: David used a directive style to lead his army into battle, but he also used a coaching style to mentor and developed his commanders’ leadership skills.(1 Kings 19, 2 Kings 2)
7. Esther and the Jews: Esther used a supportive style to encourage and empower the Jews as they faced persecution, but she also used a directive style to lead them in taking action to protect their rights. (Esther 4-10)

Conclusion

Situational leadership is a flexible and adaptable leadership style that considers followers’ development level and adjusts leadership strategies accordingly. By using situational leadership effectively, leaders can help their followers become more effective in their roles and ultimately contribute to the organization’s success. Whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out, situational leadership principles can help you develop your leadership skills and become a more effective leader.

It is important to remember that situational leadership is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that different situations may require different leadership styles. Leaders must be able to assess the development level of their followers and adjust their leadership style accordingly to achieve the best results.

In addition, leaders must be aware of the potential challenges that can arise when using situational leadership, such as resistance from followers or difficulties in assessing the development level of followers. To overcome these challenges, leaders must be flexible, adaptable, and willing to adjust their leadership style as needed.

Finally, it is important to seek feedback from followers and other stakeholders to gauge your leadership style’s effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments. This will help you continually improve your leadership skills and become a more effective leader.

In conclusion, situational leadership is a valuable tool for leaders and managers who want to become more effective in their roles. By taking into account the development level of followers and adapting leadership strategies accordingly, leaders can help their followers become more effective and ultimately contribute to the organization’s success.