The Situational Leadership Model is a way of thinking about how to lead that was created by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. It stresses how important it is to change your style of leading to the level of growth of your team members. The model says that there is no one “best” way to lead. Instead, the best way to lead relies on the situation and the needs of the people on the team.
The Situational Leadership Model says that team members grow through four stages:
1. D1 (low competence, high commitment): At this point, team members don’t have the skills and understanding to finish the job, but they are passionate about the project and want to see it succeed.
2. D2: At this stage, team members have some skills and information, but they don’t have the faith or drive to finish the job.
3. D3 (moderate to high competence, varying commitment): At this stage, team members have the skills and information to finish the job, but they may lack faith or drive in some areas.
4. D4 (high competence, high commitment): At this stage, team members have the skills, knowledge, confidence, and drive to finish the job.
The Situational Leadership Model outlines four types of leadership based on these steps of development:
1. Directing: At the D1 stage, the boss gives clear directions and keeps a close eye on the team members.
2. Coaching: At the D2 stage, the boss gives advice and help to the team members.
3. Supporting: At the D3 stage, the boss gives praise and thanks to team members.
4. Delegating: At the D4 stage, the boss gives the team members very little direction and control.
The model says that leaders should change how they lead based on how much their team members have grown. For instance, a team member at the D1 stage might need a more directive style of leadership, while a team member at the D4 stage might need a more shared style of leadership. The Situational Leadership Model can help project managers better understand the needs of their team members and change their leadership style to meet those needs. This can improve team performance and success.
