Situational Leadership

Situational Leadership

Situational leadership is a combination of various leadership styles where the leader adopts a specific style based on the emerging situation. Ideally, the emerging situation and context determine the approach a leader takes. Islam (2021) argues that leaders who adopt situational leadership styles have traits such as humility, coaching, flexibility, delegating, and participating. 

Leadership Styles of S1, S2, S3, & S4

The leadership styles of SI, S2, S3, and S4 are directing, coaching, supporting, and delegation, respectively. Directing refers to the ability of the leader to provide directives or instructions to the followers. The leader supervises the followers to ensure the directives are followed (Cole, 2018). Coaching implies a situation where the leader explains the various decisions to the followers while also obtaining feedback or suggestions. The third style is supporting. This is where the leader offers assistance and support and also shares decision-making responsibilities with the followers (Cole, 2018). Finally, delegation is where the leader involves the followers in decision-making processes and implementation. 

 Steps Leaders must fulfill to be effective

The steps leaders should fulfill to be effective include being adaptive and employing effective communication. The leader should have the ability to adapt to emerging situations and apply the most appropriate leadership style. When it comes to communication, leaders should develop appropriate channels for connecting with followers at different levels.  The most appropriate style for leading me would be delegation. I normally appreciate when leaders trust me with responsibilities and allow me to make decisions on the delegated tasks. My strengths and abilities are often amplified in such situations. I agree because such a leadership style puts the followers at the center of decision-making and implementation. 

Questionnaire Outcome

The brief questionnaire exposed me to various scenarios that helped me test my ability to apply and employ various leadership styles in emerging situations. Specifically, I was able to analyze each scenario and determine the appropriate action needed in a particular situation. One of the things the questionnaire revealed is my ability to think critically and determine the necessary action for an emerging situation. Additionally, I discovered that the application of a leadership style should be unique to a specific scenario to ensure the best outcome. 

References

Cole, K. (2018). Leadership and Management: Theory and Practice. Australia: Cengage

Learning Australia.

Islam, Q et al. (2021). Effectiveness of Situational Leadership Style in Managing Workplace

Crisis. Saudi Journal of Business and Management Studies, 6(9): 362-365. ISSN 2415-6671