SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Seminar series - III

By: Swoit Gurung

Spring Intake, 2018 Batch
Kantipur Valley College
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?
• Leadership is a process by which an executive can direct, guide and influence the
behavior and work of others towards accomplishment of specific goals in a given
situation.

• It is the ability of a manager to induce the subordinates to work with confidence and
zeal.

SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP

• When the leader or manager of an organization must adjust his style to fit the
development level of the followers he is trying to influence.

• It is up to the leader to change his style, not the follower to adapt to the leader’s style

The theory was first introduced in 1969 as "life cycle theory of leadership“
during the mid-1970s by  Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard
SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP THEORY

• Believes that there is no “best” style of leadership.

• The “best” style will depend on the situation: the task to be performed
and the team performing it.

• The best leaders weigh these different variables affecting their

situation then select their leadership style.

• X-axis  the degree of directive behavior the leader exerts.

• Y-axis  the degree of supportive behavior the leader exerts.

• D1 to D4 represents the level of development of people within a team

LEADERSHIP STYLES LEVEL OF EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT

S1. Directing D1. The Enthusiastic beginner

• Associated with autocratic leaders. • Low competence but high commitment.
• Leader makes all decision without consulting subordinates.
D2. The Disillusioned learner
S2. Coaching • Some competence but low commitment.
• Leader is more receptive to input & feedback from subordinates.
• They “sell” their ideas and plan to their subordinate to obtain their D3. The Capable but cautious performer
cooperation. • High competence but variable commitment.

S3. Supporting D4. The Self-reliant achiever

• Leader participates in decision making but most decision are made by the • High competence and high commitment
team.
• Often appear to be “quiet”.

S4. Delegating
• Leaders provides minimal direction and guidance. DEVELOPMENT LEVELS CHANGE OVER TIME & ARE TASK SPECIFIC
• More concerned with vision than day-to day.

EXAMPLE
• You are appointed to manage a team working on a new project.
• You categorize the team’s development level as D1
• This means you are use a directing leadership style initially.

• Later, you realize the team is skilled but unfamiliar with the project.
• You assess the team as being D3.
• You adopt a supporting style of leadership.
SUMMARY

• The Situational Leadership Model is a framework that states the best leadership style will vary depending on the situation.

• The model proposes four leadership styles, each one appropriate at a different stage of subordinate development.