Understanding situational leadership: Adapting to lead in every scenario

Being a leader isn’t always about using the same approach every time. Just like how you act differently depending on whether you're with your friends, at home, or at school, leadership needs to change based on the situation.

That’s what situational leadership is all about. It's about knowing when to guide people closely and when to give them more freedom. In this article, we’ll break down what situational leadership means, why it’s important, and how you can improve your skills in this area.

What is situational leadership?

Situational leadership was created by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. The idea is simple: there isn’t just one “right” way to lead people. Good leaders adapt depending on who they’re leading and what’s happening. Here are the four main styles of leadership:

• Directing: This is when the leader tells people exactly what to do and monitors closely to ensure it’s done correctly. This works well when someone is new or unsure of what to do.

• Coaching: Here, the leader still provides direction but also listens and supports the team. This is useful when the person has some experience but still needs guidance.

• Supporting: The leader steps back and allows the team to make decisions but remains available to assist. This is effective when the team knows what to do but might need a little extra confidence or motivation.

• Delegating: The leader hands over full responsibility and allows the team to manage things independently. This works best for experienced, confident teams that don’t require much help.

By switching between these styles, leaders can enable their team to perform at their best depending on the situation.

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Why situational leadership matters

• It’s flexible
  Situational leadership allows you to adapt to different situations. Sometimes people need a lot of direction, while other times, they need space to figure things out. Being able to change your approach is key.

• Helps people grow
  When leaders provide the right level of support, individuals can learn and improve. If someone requires a lot of guidance, they’ll get it, but as they develop, they’ll be given more freedom.

• Makes people happier
  When leaders tailor their style to fit the needs of the team, it makes people feel understood and supported. This boosts motivation and job satisfaction.

• Leads to smarter decisions
  Situational leaders know when to step in and when to let others take the lead. This ensures the right people make decisions when they’re ready, leading to better outcomes.

• Handles change well
  Situational leaders are well-equipped to manage change. Whether it’s new technology or an unexpected shift, they know how to adjust and keep the team moving forward.

How to get better at situational leadership

• Know your team
  To be an effective leader, you need to understand your team’s capabilities and what they still need to develop. Observe their confidence levels and how much support they require, then adjust your style to meet their needs.

• Be ready to change
  Don’t stick to one leadership style. Sometimes you’ll need to be hands-on, while at other times, you’ll need to step back. Flexibility is essential.

• Communicate clearly
  Ensure your team knows what you expect from them and that they feel supported. Keep the conversation open and listen to their feedback.

• Keep learning
  Leadership is a skill that takes practice. Continue finding ways to learn more, whether through books, training, or discussions with other leaders. The more you learn, the better you’ll become at adjusting your leadership style.

• Keep checking in
  Situational leadership isn’t a one-time thing. Regularly check in with your team to see if your approach is working. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed.

Situational leadership is about being flexible and adapting how you lead based on your team’s needs. By doing this, you can help your team grow, stay motivated, and achieve better results. In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to adapt is more important than ever. Keep working on your situational leadership skills, and you’ll not only become a better leader but also contribute to the success of your team and organisation.