Situational Leadership
Situational leadership refers to the leaders who adjust their leadership styles according to the development level of their followers. Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard developed it and described that leaders need to adopt the leadership style that fits the requirements of situations. It may be relationship-oriented and task-oriented. The leaders need to identify the potential followers and change the leadership style that is most suitable according to the situation. The situational leadership style needs to identify the important tasks, dignose the development, maturity, and readiness level of followers and finally decide the appropriate leadership style. It comprises of four different types that are presented in the following.
High
Low Directive Behavior High
Pros and cons of situational leadership
Situational leadership creates the healthy relationship between followers and the leader. The leaders can motivate and direct the followers to achieve the established goals according to the situation. The leader may take a directive role and ensure that all followers are performing in the right direction. If the followers are unable or unwilling to perform the given tasks, the leader can handle the situation and change the leadership style that will help to create interest among the followers to perform those tasks. It helps to improve two-way communication between leaders and followers. The leaders can clearly communicate the tasks and roles of all flowers and listen to the suggestions, advice, and ideas from the followers to perform those tasks.
There are some disadvantages of situational leadership like limited flexibility, pressure, confusion, and others. It may divert the attention of the leaders from long-term strategic goals and they may focus on the current situation. The leader may face pressure and consider the situation every time before taking different decisions. It may create an environment of uncertainty and fear between the followers because leaders need to change its style according to the situation. The effective leader can be infective due to situational leadership style .
References
Aluya, J. (2009). Complexity of Leadership, Organizations and the Real Estate Industry: Disrupting Existing Systems. AuthorHouse.
Ledlow, G., & Nicholas, C. (2010). Leadership for Health Professionals. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
