According to Hersey and Blanchard (2000) Situational Leadership model, there are four distinct styles of leading:

a) Directing involves giving subordinates lots of direction but little support. Leaders tell their subordinates what to do, when to do it, and how to complete the task. This style is often used when team members are new to the position or task

b) Coaching/Guiding involves giving subordinates lots of support and direction. Leaders provide a similar amount of direction as when directing but approach it in a more facilitated way; team members are more involved in the decision-making process. This style is often used when team members are building their skills within a certain context.

c) Supporting involves giving subordinates lots of support but little direction. When using the supporting style, leaders step back and allow team members to decide the task direction, providing support where needed. This style is often used when experienced team members are honing their skills.

d) Delegating involves giving subordinates little direction or support. By definition it entails a much more hands-off approach on the part of the leader. The team member is left to drive the project or task. High performing team members will benefit from the use of this style.

Based on the descriptions above, respond to the following questions about your leadership approach:

1) Which style is the easiest for you to use and why?

2) Which style is the most difficult for you to use and why?

3) What correlation do you see between your responses in question #1 and question #2?

4) To what extent are you able to adjust your leadership style depending on the person and the situation?

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Part 1 From a personal perspective I would prefer to use the coachingguiding style of the situationa... View the full answer