Situational Leadership
Overview
• Task & Relationship Behaviors
• Leadership Variables
• Situational Leadership Model
– Readiness (Followers)
– Transition
– Leadership Styles
• Case Study (optional)
• Exercise
Successful Leadership
“The leader is one who mobilizes others
toward a goal shared by leaders and
followers.”
— Gary Wills Certain Trumpets: The Call of Leaders
“The task of leadership is not to put
greatness into people, but to elicit it, for the
greatness is there already.”
— John Buchan
Task/Relationship Behavior
Task
• Clearly telling people
what, how, where,
when
• Closely supervising
performance
Relationship
• Listening to people
• Providing support &
encouragement
• Facilitate involvement in
problem solving &
decision making
Leadership Variables
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Follower
Boss
Peers & Associates
Organization Type
Job Demands
Time & Resources
Readiness
• Ability
– Knowledge
– Skills
– Experience
• Willingness
– Confidence
– Commitment
– Motivation
Readiness
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R1: Unable and insecure, or unwilling
R2: Unable, but confident or willing
R3: Able, but insecure or unwilling
R4: Able, confident, & willing: Ready to
achieve
Transition
• From R1-R2 & R3-R4
– Leader directed to self directed behavior
– Causes ranges of emotion
• Between each level
– Challenges leader’s timing in confidencebuilding techniques
– Non-linear: leader reacts to levels
simultaneously
Leadership Styles
• Telling (S1)
– High task, Low relationship
– One-way communication
– Solves problem & makes key decisions
– Directs then guides follower
Leadership Styles
• Selling (S2)
– High task, High relationship
– Two-way communication
– Hears suggestions, ideas, & opinions
– Maintains decision making
– Employs persuasion
– Explains actions
Leadership Styles
• Participating (S3)
– High relationship, Low task
– Focus of control shifts to follower
– Follower has ability & knowledge to complete
task
– Leader actively listens & builds confidence
Leadership Styles
• Delegating (S4)
– Low task, Low relationship
– Follower makes key decisions & implement
– Leader:
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Gets updates
Offers resource support
Delegates tasks judiciously
Encourages risk-taking & independent thought
Leadership Styles
• Applying Proper Style
– What do you want to accomplish?
– What is the group’s performance level?
– What leadership action should you take?
– What is the result of your leadership style?
– Do you need to follow up?
Leadership Styles
How to Act
Task
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Set Goals
Organize
Set timelines
Direct
Control
Relationship
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Give support
Communicate
Facilitate
Actively listen
Provide feedback
Case Study
Exercise
Summary
• Task & Relationship Behaviors
• Leadership Variables
• Situational Leadership Model
– Readiness (Followers)
– Transition
– Leadership Styles
• Case Study (optional)
• Exercise
Situational Leadership Is:
The interplay of direction, guidance,
persuasion, explanation, problem
solving, encouragement and delegation,
along with flexibility in adjusting
actions to maximize individual or unit
performance readiness.