Situational Leadership II (SLII) is a leadership model developed by Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey. It’s an approach that emphasizes adapting leadership style according to the readiness or development level of the followers or employees. The model proposes that effective leaders are those who can flexibly adjust their leadership style based on the specific needs of their team members in a given situation.
SLII identifies four leadership styles:
- Directing: This style is characterized by high directive behavior and low supportive behavior. It’s appropriate when followers have low competence and high commitment, as the leader needs to provide clear instructions and closely supervise tasks.
- Coaching: This style involves both high directive and high supportive behaviors. It’s suitable when followers have some competence but still lack confidence or commitment. The leader provides guidance, support, and encouragement to develop their skills.
- Supporting: This style entails low directive and high supportive behaviors. It’s applicable when followers have moderate to high competence but low commitment. The leader provides praise, recognition, and emotional support to maintain their motivation.
- Delegating: This style is characterized by low directive and low supportive behaviors. It’s appropriate when followers have high competence and high commitment. The leader allows followers to take ownership of tasks and make decisions independently.
The effectiveness of each leadership style depends on the readiness level of the followers, which is determined by their competence and commitment to the task or goal. Effective leaders are those who can accurately assess the readiness of their followers and adjust their leadership style accordingly to maximize performance and development.
SLII provides a practical framework for leaders to develop their adaptability and effectiveness in leading diverse teams with varying levels of readiness. It emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and flexibility in leadership behavior.
