The situational Leadership theory: leading with flexibility

The Four Leadership Styles

Hersey and Blanchard identify four leadership styles, each designed to meet specific team needs:

Directive (Telling)
When to use it: With inexperienced or unmotivated team members.
Characteristics: The leader provides clear instructions, sets specific goals, and closely monitors activities.
Goal: Ensure clarity and support in the initial stages.

Persuasive (Selling)
When to use it: When the team has some skills but needs more motivation or clarity.
Characteristics: The leader explains decisions, involves the team, and encourages engagement through dialogue and support.
Goal: Build trust and encourage participation.

Participative (Participating)
When to use it: With competent teams that need motivation or autonomy.
Characteristics: The leader actively involves the team in setting goals and making decisions, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Goal: Strengthen trust and internal motivation.

Delegating (Delegating)
When to use it: With highly skilled and autonomous teams.
Characteristics: The leader delegates tasks and decisions, monitoring results discretely.
Goal: Maximize team efficiency and autonomy.

Team Maturity Levels

The theory combines the four styles with team maturity levels, representing members' technical competence and motivation:

• M1: Low competence, high dependence on the leader.

• M2: Initial competence, but needs support for motivation.

• M3: Good competence, but with occasional doubts or need for guidance.

• M4: High competence and full autonomy.

The leader must assess the team's maturity level and adjust their leadership style for optimal results.

Applications of the Theory

Situational Leadership applies in many business and professional contexts:

• Project management: Adapt the style to each team member’s needs, ensuring initial support and gradual autonomy.

• Training and development: Use different styles to help employees grow in competence and confidence.

• Business crises: Quickly shift from one style to another to tackle unforeseen challenges.

Advantages of Situational Leadership

• Flexibility: Allows leaders to respond dynamically to changing situations.

• Engagement: Increases employee motivation by tailoring support to their needs.

• Effectiveness: Improves team performance through targeted guidance.

Conclusion

Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory emphasizes the importance of adaptability in leadership. By recognizing that each team and situation requires a different approach, this theory provides practical guidance for building trust, developing skills, and achieving shared goals.

Being a good leader doesn’t mean following one style, but knowing how to adjust your guidance to fit people and circumstances. The true strength of a situational leader lies in the ability to grow alongside their team.