Performance Management

Situational Leadership: Balance of Leadership Style And Readiness (E)

What is the proper balance between leadership style and readiness of employee?

Posted: Nov 2009

In reality, every combination of readiness and leadership style is possible. Still the most effective leadership style is when leadership style level corresponds to the readiness level.

For example if the employee is new in the company he may be motivated to learn and advance in his position, but he does not have the knowledge ( R1 ). His manager should apply directive approach explaining him and directing him how the work should be done ( S1 ). In case that employee is experienced, but have low motivation due to many years on the same position ( R3 ), the manager should be more supportive ( S3 ).

There are many examples of inappropriate leadership style. For example if the employee is very experienced and motivated ( R4 ), he may be unsatisfied and potentially motivated if his managers start to explain him basics of the job ( S1 ).

Basically, the leadership style should match the readiness of employee. This is the diagonal line on the leadership matrix. The more leadership style deviate, the more likely that the problems will appear on the relationship between employee and manager.

The Situational leadership concept helps managers to apply the proper style for every different situation. In case that manager apply different leadership style from the given situation, it is possible that problems may appear. The manager will cause anxiety, frustration and even hostility in case of application of over leading or under leading:

The Situational Leadership is the concept that offers the balanced approach for different situation.

Situational leadership helps to manager to build capability to alignment of employee readiness and leadership style, by conducting the high attitude toward both business and the people. 

The skill of detection of employee readiness level is the skill that can be learned. Overall, once used the Situational Leadership can increase the effectiveness manager and a whole organization. 

Related Reading:

Situational Leadership: The Theory 
Situational Leadership: Blake And Mouton Managerial Grid 
Situational Leadership: Leadership Style 
Situational Leadership: Employee Readiness ( Maturity ) 
Situational Leadership: Balance Of Leadership Style And Readiness 
Situational Leadership: Modification Of Readiness Level (Soon)