Situational Leadership

Varying your leadership style based on the capability of the individual you are leading is the most effective way to accomplish your objectives. Situational leadership requires you to diagnose an individual’s ability and willingness to perform a task, and then providing that person with the proper amount of oversight and motivation to get the job done.

Think about this as a “loose – tight” leadership continuum. If you are over managing an individual in a tight fashion, they will resent the implication that they are not capable, and you will be working harder than necessary. Likewise, if you completely delegate a task to someone that does not possess the appropriate skills you are setting them up for failure.

If someone is struggling to meet expectations, it is normal to ask what they are doing wrong. It is more effective to ask what the leader is doing wrong. Are you giving the person the direction, coaching and support that they need to succeed?

People are generally seeking greater autonomy in their work. Great leaders help their people get there. Remember that treating people of unequal ability equally is patently unfair and ineffective.