Situational Leadership

Situational Leadership

Situational Leadership , according to Blanchard , et al

Situational Leadership , which was originally termed The Lifecycle Theory of Management , is underpinned by a flexible leadership style which is capable of adapting according to context and conditions The Situation . Unlike many leadership theories , Situational Leadership does not describe one style of management , but instead focuses on the need for managers and coaches to adapt the approach they take to the people they are dealing with and the situation they are in . There are two main dimensions to the theory , the first

being the fact that there are different contexts in which a leadership style will need to be applied and the second that the people being led , the followers , will have varying levels of receptiveness or ability to complete a task These dimensions are represented by four leadership styles (possible styles of directing others ) and four levels of readiness (task accomplishment . Situational Leadership Theory (STL ) takes into account both the leaders behavior and the behavior of the followers in to determine the effectiveness of the leader . For example , one many choose to look at the maturity of a member of followers . An immature follower could be someone who requires a great deal of direction and attention perhaps due to being new to a task , job or role . On the other hand , a more mature ' member of staff would need much less direction and would be able to self motivate and show initiative in performing a task . These individuals would need minimal leadership . Understanding the needs and readiness of the employees is crucial to managing effectively as failing to do so could lead to choosing an incorrect style of leadership and subsequently an ineffective leader (Graeff 1983

SLT is a very popular management theory that is highly praised in many academic circles . It is extremely straightforward to understand and implement and focuses on reinforcing appropriate behaviors rather than attempting to change a managers personality . In addition to this people like its flexible style . As described by Monoky (1998 [situational leadership does] not prescribe a single leadership style but identifies the three essential elements of task behavior relationship behavior and . `level of maturity (p .142

Explain briefly the grid they have developed

Blanchard and Hersey 's model started off as a simple 2 x 2 matrix with degree of supportive behavior ' on one axis and degree of directive behavior ' on another . The grid itself was split into four categories with each category representing a style of leadership

S1 Directing : Leaders closely direct the followers , supervising them closely and outlining specifically how tasks should be completed

S2 Coaching : Leaders define roles and objectives but continually encourage ideas and input from the followers themselves

S3 Supporting : Followers are expected to manage their own tasks and activities but have confidence that the leader is on hand to help and advice

S4 Delegating : Followers are empowered to make decisions and can manage the day-to-day tasks without assistance of input

The understanding is that more effective...