Harvard ManageMentor® Using the Right Leadership Style

Discussion Topics Identifying the leadership style(s) you’re most comfortable with Assessing an employee’s developmental level Knowing when to use other styles © Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

Identifying Your Leadership Style Directing Defining tasks clearly and in detail Orienting employees to tasks Checking employees’ work Coaching Explaining tasks and clarifying issues Redirecting if employees go astray Supporting Facilitating employees’ progress Collaborating and reassuring Delegating Challenging employees to do their best Letting them take on new challenges © Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

Assessing an Employee’s Developmental Level What’s the task? What’s the person’s competence (task-specific knowledge and any skills that could be applied to the task)? What’s the person’s commitment (combination of the individual's motivation and confidence to perform the task)? © Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

Selecting the Right Leadership Style Developmental Level Appropriate Style Low competence, low commitment Directing Low competence, increasing commitment Coaching High competence, low commitment Supporting High competence, high commitment Delegating © Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.

Next Steps Find out what your employees need from you Watch for changes in employees’ needs © Copyright 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.