We often encounter situations in the workplace that require us to adapt our leadership styles and behaviours. Blanchard’s model allows us to reflect upon two key areas (control and support) in which we can alter our style to suit the challenge.
According to Situational Leadership Theory, the most effective style depends on the development level of the team member for the specific task at hand. This development level is a combination of their competence and commitment.
For instance:
- A new member of a team, who needs clear, specific instructions to perform the task correctly will benefit from a high-control, low-support style of leader (Dictator)
- An experienced but unmotivated team member might benefit from a low-control, high-support style of leader (Mentor)
- A highly skilled and motivated employee would likely thrive with a low-control, low-support style of leader (Delegator)
By understanding your natural tendencies in terms of control and support, you can identify which of Blanchard’s styles comes most naturally to you.
However, the key to effective leadership is being able to flex between these styles as the situation demands.
