Brent McHugh is the CEO of Christar International, transforming community around the globe.
getty
The ability to adapt leadership styles to the needs and personnel of the moment has never been more crucial. Situational leadership places a strong emphasis on adapting leadership techniques to the personality and development level of the team or individual being led. This approach, developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard in the 1960s, is not just a beneficial skill; in today's complex, dynamic work environments, it's imperative for effective leadership.
Situational Leadership In Action
There are two fundamental concepts of situational leadership: leadership style and the development level of the follower. The former can range from highly directive to highly supportive, as called for based on the situation. The latter is assessed based on competence and commitment. The crux of situational leadership is matching the leadership style to the follower's development level and personality to achieve the highest level of performance and growth.
Our International Team recently took on two critical innovative projects that had multiple partners with incredible potential for impacting thousands of lives. The diversity and complexities embedded in these projects required me to use situational leadership principles to support both managers because of their diverse competencies and experience levels.
The first project manager brought several years of experience in managing various portfolios of clients and was what I considered a veteran in the type of technical skills needed to bring the project to a fruitful conclusion. As the team leader, in this case, I chose a delegating approach that gave the project manager autonomy over the work, trusting his experience and skills to drive the project forward. My role in this case was to offer support and resources while fostering a sense of ownership and accountability for the staff member.
Our second project manager was relatively new to the technical aspects of the project. I can say that I had complete confidence based on her past performance that she would learn and adapt to managing this particular project. My role as her leader was different in this case and I chose to use more of a coaching approach. Here I provided detailed instructions and spent extra time mentoring her, breaking down complex tasks into manageable parts. We worked hard to set clear expectations but also involved more of our larger team to offer encouraging questions and provide constructive feedback. A weekly discussion consisted of questions like "What is working?" "What is not working?" "What needs to change?" and "What help do you need?" This approach helped in building her confidence and skills, gradually creating space for greater independence.
Addressing Workforce Diversity
Modern teams are characterized by their diversity, not just in terms of demographics but also in skill sets, experiences and expectations. A one-size-fits-all leadership approach falls short in such settings. Situational leadership allows leaders to navigate this diversity effectively by providing a framework for understanding and addressing individual and team needs. Tailoring leadership approaches helps in fostering an environment where every team member can thrive.
Enhancing Team Morale And Productivity
The direct impact of situational leadership on team morale and productivity cannot be overstated. Leaders who modify their approach to suit the needs of the team at any given time show empathy, understanding and respect for the personal development paths of each team member. This adaptability can significantly boost morale, as team members feel supported and valued. Higher morale often translates into increased fruitfulness, with team members more motivated and committed to their tasks.
Navigating Organizational Change
Change is a constant in our world today, driven by technological advancements, market dynamics and global trends. Leaders are at the forefront of guiding their teams through these changes. Situational leadership can help leaders determine whether their team is ready for change and how resistant they are and then use the best leadership approach to help their team go through that change. Whether a situation calls for more hands-on guidance or supportive coaching, situational leaders can steer their teams more effectively through the uncertainties of change.
Developing Future Leaders
One of the most valuable aspects of situational leadership is its role in developing future leaders. Situational leadership provides more personalized guidance and support, which encourages leadership skill growth among team members. This approach not only prepares individuals for future leadership roles but also strengthens the organization's leadership pipeline, helping ensure long-term sustainability and success.
Fostering A Learning Culture
Situational leadership inherently promotes a culture of learning and development. By recognizing and addressing the varying developmental needs of team members, leaders encourage continuous learning and skill development. This culture of growth not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the organization's adaptability and innovation capabilities, key drivers of fruitfulness in today's fast-paced global environment.
Challenges And Considerations
While the benefits of situational leadership are clear, its implementation is not without challenges. It requires leaders to possess a deep understanding of their team members, including their strengths, weaknesses and motivational drivers. A tool that I have found beneficial has been the Motivations AI Assessment to understand team members.
Moreover, situational leadership is not a passive approach. It requires deliberate assessment and decision-making to determine the most appropriate leadership style for each situation. Training and continuous learning are essential for leaders to refine their situational leadership skills effectively.
Conclusion
As the marketplace continues to evolve, the demand for versatile, adaptive leadership grows. Situational leadership, with its emphasis on flexibility and tailored leadership approaches, offers a powerful toolkit for today's leaders. By mastering situational leadership practices, leaders can better navigate the complexities of modern workplaces, drive team performance and prepare their organizations for the challenges and opportunities ahead. In doing so, they not only enhance their own leadership effectiveness but also contribute to building resilient, agile organizations capable of thriving in an uncertain future.
Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
