Situational Leadership Contingency Leadership Theory

Situational Leadership This type of leadership was created by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard No single “best” style of leadership; there are multiple leadership styles Effective leadership is task-relevant, Some of the most successful leaders are those that adapt their leadership style to the maturity of the individual or group they are attempting to lead

Maturity Levels M1: lacking specific skills for the job, unwilling to do the task/take responsibility M2: unable to take full responsibility for the task, but they are willing to work at it M3: experienced and able to do the task, but lack the confidence and willingness M4: experienced with the task, have the confidence and ability to do it well

Leadership Styles S1--Telling: one way communication, leader defines roles of individual/group and gives them the “what, when where why and how” to do the task S2-- Selling: two way communication, leader still gives direction but also provides “socio-economic” support S3-- Participating: leaders focus more on relationship and less on direction S4-- Delegating: leader is still involved with decisions/there to monitor, but the individual has most of the responsibility

Developing People and Self Motivation D1: low competence and high commitment D2: low competence and low commitment D3: high competence and low/variable commitment D4: high competence and high commitment