What does 'situational leadership' involve?

Situational leadership is essentially about being flexible in your leadership approach to match the specific needs and readiness levels of your team members. This involves assessing the readiness, skills, and confidence of subordinates and then adapting your leadership style accordingly. For example, a leader might take a more directive approach with someone who is new and requires guidance, while adopting a more delegative style with an experienced team member who can operate independently.

This adaptability is key to effective leadership, as it recognizes that not all team members require the same level of support or supervision. By doing so, leaders can optimize productivity, enhance team morale, and foster individual development, ensuring that each team member is supported according to their unique circumstances. This method contrasts with rigid adherence to a single leadership style or establishing a hierarchy without flexibility, which can lead to ineffective leadership and dissatisfaction among team members.