Week 26

Situational Leadership

Learn
I learned about Situational Leadership which is a process for developing people by providing effective leadership over time so that they can reach their highest level of performance. It consists of four leadership styles:
Style 1 (Directing), Style 2 (Coaching), Style 3 (Supporting) and Style 4 (Delegating).
While there are many variables that can affect an individual’s ability to do a job well, Situational Leadership II focuses on one situational variable more than others – the development level of a person on a specific goal or task. Development level is a combination of two factors – competence and commitment. Competence is the knowledge and skills an individual brings to a goal or task. Commitment is a combination of an individual’s motivation and confidence on a goal or task.

Unlearn
There is no one fix all leadership style to learn or apply. In fact the leadership style depends on the situation or task at hand. SL leadership styles correspond with four development levels: D1, D2, D3, and D4 represent the development level continuum.
The goal of Situational Leadership is to provide an environment so that an individual moves along the development continuum through the development cycle from D1 (developing) to D4 (developed). The leader uses a leadership style that is appropriate to the individual’s development level at each stage of development on a specific goal or task. As development level changes, leadership style should change accordingly.

Relearn
I was able to apply Situational Leadership to my team members. For example, I had a new sales executive who does not know how to put in a sales order that requires approval. Therefore I use S1: Directing and provide clear direction on the steps she needs to take in order to put in the sales order.