Situational Leadership

This week we talk about Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Model.  This simple tool helps managers decide when they should be more directive, and when they should coach, support, or delegate more.  It also helps you diagnose performance problems as problems of competence or commitment, and how to remedy both.

Monday’s Tip: Identify performance issues as “Competence” or “Commitment”. If you put a gun to someone’s head, and they still can’t do a task, you have a compentence issue, otherwise, it’s a commitment issue.

Tuesday’s Tip: Remember that the same person may require a different management style in different situations. A person may require very directive behaviour on one task, while you can easily delegate to them on another.  You need to adjust your style accordingly.

Wednesday’s Tip: Match the style (Directing, Coaching, Supporting, or Delegating) based on the situation. One style doesn’t fit all, and once you’ve determined someone’s developmental level, it’s easy to determine the most effective management style.

Thursday’s Tip: Figure out what style you default to. We all have preferred management styles, so be aware of what your preferred style is, and work to improve the others.

Friday’s Tip: Check your diagnosis often. People learn and improve, which will require you to adjust you management style accordingly.