LEADERSHIPMonths to result

Situational Leadership II

Adapt leadership style to team needs

Problem it solves

adapt their leadership style to their team's needs

Best for

Team leaders and managers who need to adapt their leadership style to their team's needs

Not ideal for

Individual contributors or those who do not lead teams

Overview

Why this framework exists

Situational Leadership II is a framework that helps leaders adapt their leadership style to the needs of their team. It recognizes that different teams require different leadership approaches, depending on their stage of development and the tasks they need to accomplish. The framework provides a structured approach to leadership, with four distinct leadership styles: Directing, Coaching, Supporting, and Delegating.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Leaders must adapt their style to the needs of their team
  2. Different teams require different leadership approaches
  3. Leadership style should be based on the team's stage of development and task requirements

Steps

4 steps
  1. Determine the team's stage of development
    Assess the team's current stage of development, including their level of competence, commitment, and morale.
    Pro tipUse the Team Development Stages model to determine the team's stage of development
    WarningFailing to accurately assess the team's stage of development can lead to ineffective leadership
  2. Choose the appropriate leadership style
    Select the leadership style that best fits the team's stage of development and task requirements.
    Pro tipUse the Situational Leadership II matrix to determine the most effective leadership style
    WarningUsing the wrong leadership style can lead to decreased productivity and morale
  3. Provide direction and support as needed
    Provide direction and support to the team, based on their stage of development and task requirements.
    Pro tipUse the 'barrel-filling' and 'barrel-drawing-out' activities to provide direction and support
    WarningFailing to provide adequate direction and support can lead to decreased productivity and morale
  4. Monitor and adjust leadership style as needed
    Continuously monitor the team's progress and adjust the leadership style as needed.
    Pro tipUse regular feedback and assessment to determine the effectiveness of the leadership style
    WarningFailing to adjust the leadership style can lead to decreased productivity and morale

Checklist

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Examples

2 cases
Ron Tilman's task force

Ron Tilman used a directing style with his new task force, which was in the orientation stage of development. This approach was effective, as the team needed clear direction and guidance.

OutcomeThe task force was able to quickly get up to speed and start making progress on their tasks.
Louise Gilmore's strategic planning committee

Louise Gilmore used a supporting style with her strategic planning committee, which was in the integration stage of development. This approach was effective, as the team needed support and guidance to build their confidence and morale.

OutcomeThe committee was able to develop a comprehensive strategic plan and implement it successfully.

Common mistakes

3 traps
Failing to adapt leadership style to team needs
Using a one-size-fits-all approach to leadership, rather than adapting to the team's stage of development and task requirements.
Inadequate direction and support
Failing to provide adequate direction and support to the team, based on their stage of development and task requirements.
Failing to monitor and adjust leadership style
Failing to continuously monitor the team's progress and adjust the leadership style as needed.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The Situational Leadership II framework was developed by Kenneth Blanchard and Paul Hersey, based on their research and experience in leadership development. The framework is designed to help leaders adapt their style to the needs of their team, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The one minute manager builds high performing teams
Kenneth H. Blanchard · 2022
Open source →

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