Situational Leadership Styles

Situational Leadership is a leadership model that links the effectiveness of a leader's style to the current work environment.  Described by both Goleman and Blanchard, a deep understanding of situational leadership allows the manger to flex their leadership style as conditions warrant.

Goleman and Blanchard agree that most managers exhibit multiple leadership styles at work; however, the dominant style should be matched to the current environment to maximize the manager's effectiveness.  Goleman used his emotional intelligence model and leveraged what he learned to come up with seven situational leadership styles:

• Coercive Leadership Style - accomplishes task by bullying employees, works best when a fast company turnaround is needed.
• Authoritative Leadership Style - an expert that knows what needs to get done, works best when the workgroup is without clear direction.
• Affiliative Leadership Style - promotes harmony and helps solve problems, works best when morale is low and teambuilding is needed.
• Democratic Leadership Style - gives followers a vote in nearly every decision, a time consuming style that requires knowledgeable employees.
• Pacesetting Leadership Style - sets very high work standards for themselves and the followers, works best when followers are skilled and morale is high.
• Coaching Leadership Style - clearly defines roles and tasks, focus is on two way communication, works best when followers are experienced and agreeable.

Blanchard derived four situational leadership styles that were based on two basic kinds of leadership behaviors - directive and supportive:

• Directing Leadership Style - provides specific instructions and closely monitors progress, works best when followers are inexperienced.
• Coaching Leadership Style - see explanation above.
• Supporting Leadership Style - provides direction and works together with followers to solve problems, works best when followers are not yet comfortable making decisions.
• Delegating Leadership Style - turns over responsibility for making decisions to followers, works best when followers are experienced and comfortable making decisions.

Other forms of this term include - situational leader, situational leaders