DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Situational leadership is a flexible management style developed by Dr. Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard in the late 1960s. Unlike a «one-size-fits-all» approach, situational leadership emphasizes the importance of adapting one’s style based on the needs of the team and the specific context.

This approach acknowledges that team members’ skills and motivations vary, and leaders must adjust their methods to suit these changing dynamics.

Four Key Leadership Styles in Situational Leadership

Directing (Telling): Leaders provide specific guidance and closely supervise the task at hand. This is effective for new or inexperienced team members who need clear instructions to build confidence.

Coaching (Selling): Leaders provide direction while also supporting and encouraging team members, explaining decisions to foster buy-in. This style is effective for employees learning new skills but needing support and motivation.

Supporting (Participating): Leaders focus on building relationships, listening, and encouraging team members’ input. This approach is best for teams with some experience, allowing members to take more initiative.

Delegating: Leaders offer minimal guidance and grant team members autonomy to make decisions. Ideal for skilled, self-reliant individuals, this approach fosters independence and trust.

Core Characteristics of Situational Leaders

Flexibility: Situational leaders excel at adapting their leadership style to fit the current circumstances and the specific needs of their team. Whether providing close guidance to less experienced team members or taking a hands-off approach with skilled employees, situational leaders adjust their methods seamlessly. This flexibility allows them to handle a variety of situations effectively and foster optimal team performance by aligning their approach to the task and readiness level of the team.

Heightened Awareness: Exceptional situational leaders are keenly aware of each team member’s unique strengths, areas for growth, and motivation levels. This awareness enables them to evaluate what each person requires to thrive and to apply the most appropriate leadership style. Situational leaders assess both the immediate task at hand and individual needs, leading to better support and strategic use of team resources.

Unwavering Integrity: Integrity is a cornerstone of situational leadership, as these leaders prioritize ethical decision-making and transparency. Guided by a strong moral compass, they build trust with their teams by consistently demonstrating honesty, reliability, and prioritizing the team’s and organization’s interests over personal gain. This focus on integrity fosters an environment of trust and sets a high ethical standard within the team.

Resilience and Courage: Situational leaders are unafraid to take calculated risks and confront challenges head-on, displaying both courage and resilience. They remain steadfast in adversity and learn from setbacks, viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth. This resilience not only helps the leader bounce back but also sets an example for the team, encouraging them to stay motivated and persevere through obstacles.

Embrace of Change: Open to new approaches and innovation, situational leaders thrive in dynamic and uncertain environments. They view change as an opportunity for growth and adapt quickly to new circumstances, finding innovative solutions to emerging challenges. This adaptability is particularly valuable in fast-paced industries where flexibility and the ability to pivot are crucial.

Diagnostic Ability: Effective situational leaders are skilled at diagnosing team members’ needs, readiness levels, and the specific requirements of a given task. This diagnostic ability allows them to gauge when to step in with guidance, when to offer support, and when to delegate tasks, maximizing both individual and team effectiveness.

Communication Excellence: Communication is a fundamental skill for situational leaders, who adjust their style to suit the needs of the moment. They provide clear instructions, articulate a shared vision, and facilitate open dialogue. Whether guiding, encouraging, or delegating, situational leaders know how to communicate effectively to keep their team aligned and motivated.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Empathy is essential for situational leaders, as it allows them to connect personally with team members, fostering a supportive and understanding work environment. By recognizing individual concerns, motivations, and challenges, these leaders build strong relationships and inspire loyalty within the team.

Trust-Building: Trust is central to situational leadership. By showing confidence in their team’s abilities and providing autonomy when appropriate, situational leaders create an environment of mutual trust. They empower team members by delegating responsibilities and supporting their growth, which in turn enhances accountability and engagement.

Clear and Compelling Vision: A clear vision helps situational leaders steer the team toward common goals. They communicate this vision passionately and ensure that each team member understands their role in achieving it. This alignment around shared objectives becomes a powerful motivator, helping to drive the team’s focus and effort.

Decisive Decision-Making: Situational leaders are adept at making timely decisions and know when to act independently versus involving others. Their capacity to make well-informed, swift decisions is crucial in dynamic environments, allowing them to maintain momentum and address challenges effectively.

Problem-Solving Skills: A proactive approach to problem-solving is a hallmark of situational leaders. They not only navigate obstacles but also guide their team in developing their problem-solving skills. This fosters a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency, where the team feels empowered to address issues independently.

Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are a natural part of team dynamics, and situational leaders are skilled at resolving them constructively. By promoting collaboration and mediating disagreements, they foster team cohesion and a harmonious working environment. They also encourage team members to develop conflict-resolution skills, contributing to a more resilient and communicative team.

Benefits of Situational Leadership

Enhanced Team Performance: Situational leadership aligns leadership styles with team member readiness, which can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

Better Communication and Trust: Leaders who adapt their approach promote open communication, building trust and alignment within the team.

Increased Employee Satisfaction: By supporting team members’ individual growth and adapting to their needs, situational leaders help increase motivation and job satisfaction.

Challenges of Situational Leadership

Skill Demands: Leaders need high emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to assess individual team members’ skills, which can be challenging without experience.

Potential Confusion: Frequent changes in leadership style can cause inconsistency and confusion if not clearly communicated.

Measuring Effectiveness: Due to its adaptable nature, it can be difficult to standardize and measure the success of situational leadership in traditional performance metrics.

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Situational leadership is a highly adaptive approach that empowers leaders to guide their teams effectively, regardless of the situation. Through adaptability, empathy, and a willingness to adjust to meet each team member’s needs, situational leaders help create high-performing, resilient teams.