Introduction Situational leadership is the ability to lead or manage a team based on the behavior or readiness level of the employee. The reason situational leadership is effective is because there are different ways to influence each employee based on how the employee is responding to the organization or the employees behavior. Situational leadership theory structures the leadership style to the readiness level of the employee. According to the text in Management of Organizational Behavior the readiness level is defined as, “ the extent to which the follower demonstrates the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task” (Hersey, Blanchard, and Johnson, 2008). Situational leadership includes four different leadership styles, which …show more content…
The first leadership style is an S1. According to Management of Organization Behavior the S1 style of leadership is best for an R1 readiness level. The S1 style is “telling”. According to the text the S1 style, “it is appropriate to provide high amounts of guidance but little supportive behavior” (Hersey et al, 2008). The next leadership style is an S2, which is best paired up with a R2 readiness style. According to the text the S2 style is selling, which is defined as, “the leader is providing not only the guidance, but also the opportunity for dialogue and for clarification in order to help the person buy in to what the leader wants” (Hersey et al, 2008). The next leadership style is the S3 style with is the “participating” style and the style would work best with a person who is an R3 readiness level. According to the text the S3 style of leadership is defined as, “the leader’s major role becomes encouraging and communicating. Other descriptors for this style include collaborating, facilitating, and committing” (Hersey et al, 2008). The final leadership style is an S4, which is defined as “delegating”. According to the text the S4 style of leadership includes, “observing and monitoring” (Hersey et al,
Hersey, P. & Blanchard, K. (n.d.) Situational Leadership. In Wren, J.T. (Ed.). (1995). The Leader’s Companion (pp. 207-211). New York: Simon & Schuster.
In the context of the Situational model leadership theory, there are three identifiable weaknesses in my leadership practice. These weaknesses represent shortcomings in my role as a leader and might prevent my team from fully executing the organization’s mission. The three weaknesses are:
Contingency leadership theories attempt to define leadership style, the situation, and answer the if-then contingencies. Situational leadership theory is a contingency theory that focuses on followers’ readiness: the extent to which people have the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task. Path-goal theory states that it is the leader’s job to assist followers in attaining their goals and to provide direction or support needed to ensure that their goals are compatible with the organization or group goals. Each theory was developed as a separate model for leaders to determine which leadership style to use in different contexts or situations. However, both models can be related to each other and may be even more effective when used together. Effective leaders will recognize that they must adjust their styles and behaviors according to their followers and the environment. By accurately assessing their team’s stage while minimizing redundancies in the environmental structure leaders can improve their team’s performance and satisfaction.
A situational leader is the one who will use a different leadership style according to the need and specific situation at the moments.
Situational leadership is a theory which was designed in 1969 by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. The “contingency theories of leadership” states that a leader’s effectiveness is dependent on their behaviours in relation to different situational factors. Thus, situational leadership theory, relates to how a leader 's effectiveness is depend on their ability to adjust their leadership behaviour to the required level of the “followers” capability or if the situation is modified.
The third type of leadership style is described as situational leadership. Situational leaders assess the environment and the readiness of the employee before assigning a task (Giltinane, 2013, Grimm, 2010). Situational leaders provide direction and support based on the need at the time. Thus if an employee needs more direction than others, situational leader is able to identify the employees need and provide support accordingly. According to Giltinane (2013) situational leaders relationship with their subordinates and provide guidance and direction as needed.
The situational leadership theory states that leaders use different styles and strategies depending on the situation. There are two models that support this theory. The Fiedler’s Contingency Model of Leadership Effectiveness states that an “effective leadership occurs only when there is an ideal match between the leader’s style and the group’s work situation” (pg
Many organizational theorists concur that existence of effective leadership is one of the important contributors to the overall organizational success. Leadership is defined as “a process of social influence by which an individual enlists the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a task or mission" (Chemers, 1997). According to Stogdill (1957) he defined leadership as the individual behaviour to which guides a group to the achievement of a common objective. Lee and Chuang (2009) explained an excellent leader does not only inspires subordinates’ potential but enhance efficiency to meet their objective in the achievement of organizational goals. Chen (2009) collaborates with these statements by considering that leadership is as process in which various behavioural approaches are used to guide employees to a shared goal. In the process the leader influences the organization members through a series of interpersonal interactions in which they seek to inspire the organizational members towards attaining organizational goals. Fry (2003) explains leadership to be the use of a leading strategy which
For example, under this theory the leader would employ High Directive/High Support leadership behaviors to the Disillusioned Learner. Ideally, the leader helps the followers as they progress through the stages to achieve the Self-Reliant Achiever/Delegating level. While I do not necessarily fully subscribe to the theory, it does seem to have merit and I do believe that it is important for an effective leader to have the capability and flexibility to adapt his or her style to the needs of the followers in order to encourage everyone’s success. I also believe that an effective leader plays a significant role in promoting and molding individuals’ readiness as it relates to motivation and commitment. As such, I developed my leadership assessment with these points in mind. The assessment focuses on 14 attributes that I believe are important not only for a leader to be successful within the parameters of the SLT, but...
Leadership is the glue that binds any business together, identifying and understanding your type of leadership style can ultimately aid you in becoming a better leader in your professional career. A successful business cannot function without leadership therefore this is a crucial aspect of internal employee development for businesses striving to stay relevant in a crowded marketplace. In addition to recognizing your leadership style every leader needs to look to them and identify what type of personality they have. By becoming an informed business leader you will gain trust and respect of your team to guide them into the future and maximizing potential growth. Throughout this paper I will identify my leadership style and also personality type and how it has affected my personal career growth. Identifying these conclusions is extremely important in crafting company culture.
A particular approach to the idea of leadership style is provided by ROBERT R. Blake and JANE S. Mouton. Blake and mouton managerial grid will be showed in the figure below reflect a theme that is common in many approach to leadership. That theme is that effective leadership requires attention to both task and people. We saw the theme in the Ohio state leader behavior dimensions of initiating structure and considerations. Likert also develops this theme in his theme research when he discusses job centered and employees centered supervision.
Based on Burns (1978) there are two types of basic leadership styles, transformational and transactional. Transactional leaders are in contact with an individual for an exchange that will occur between them while transformational leaders motivate and connect with their followers
The contemporary era is the time with constant changes and new demands. In view of this point, we can't put unitary leadership into real work. Accordingly, the term of "contingency leadership theory" (also namely "situational leadership") is given rise to by those situational factors. This theory notes that managers can vary their styles to suit different circumstances.
In this paper I will look at the four major leadership styles, their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and in what situations a particular leadership style is desired. Additionally, I will look at my leadership style and how I acquired this style throughout my career.
The Situational Theories of leadership explain how leadership style must be tailored to the demands of the task and the qualities of subordinates.