In the contemporary business landscape, constant volatility and disruption to the global economy are no longer exceptions but rather the new norm. The role of a leader has transcended traditional definitions. No longer merely managers, leaders in the VUCA-BANI era must be the ones who provide direction, companionship, and guidance for their teams to overcome every challenge and fluctuation. They need flexibility to adapt to all situations, the ability to inspire their teams, and the courage to build unwavering trust to conquer shared goals together.
Becoming an outstanding leader has never been easy for anyone, especially for those embarking on their leadership journey. It’s not simply about “pointing fingers” or painting a “grand vision” and assuming everything will magically fall into place. A truly effective leader needs to understand their team, grasp the situation, and adjust their leadership style accordingly. They are the “lighthouse” illuminating the path, guiding the organization not just to survive but to thrive, igniting innovation, and empowering the team to grow, reach for self-confidence, and achieve exceptional competence.
Leaders play a crucial role in the success of entire team
The Ability to Adapt Leadership Style
Imagine leadership as a puzzle game where you need to find ways to arrange different shapes into their correct positions. Similarly, in reality, when leading a team diverse in skills and personalities, the biggest challenge for a leader is allocating tasks to the “right people for the right jobs” to achieve optimal efficiency and conquer challenging goals. This is where the art of Situational Leadership comes into play.
Situational Leadership is a management method where leaders adjust their leadership style based on the specific situation and the needs or readiness of team members. Unlike traditional leadership, which often applies a rigid style, a situational leader recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The leader will flexibly “transform” their style, from Directing and Supporting to Coaching and Delegating, to maximize the potential of each individual and accomplish tasks excellently.
Situational Leadership style aims to provide appropriate guidance for each specific case
Team Development as the Foundation
Situational Leadership is not just about external changes; the key lies in the deep understanding of the leader. Leaders need to master goals, prioritize, analyze opportunities and risks, and effectively utilize resources. The Situational Leadership model provides a framework for managers and leaders to flexibly apply four leadership styles throughout the team’s development journey.
Situational leadership model
- Directing: When the team is young or facing complex tasks, a Directing style with clear instructions and close supervision will help them confidently complete their work.
- Coaching: When the team has experience, a Coaching style will help cultivate necessary skills, set a clear development path, and encourage them to move forward.
- Supporting: When members are competent but lack confidence, a Supporting style will help build trust, encourage collaboration, and create conditions for them to maximize their potential.
- Delegating: With “elite” teams capable of autonomy and high performance, a Delegating style will give them space to freely innovate, make decisions, and take responsibility for their results.
Grasping the Rhythm of the Team
Just like a seedling growing through its growth stages, your team will also go through developmental stages throughout its journey. Each stage has different characteristics, brings challenges, and requires an appropriate leadership approach.
Leader – the “conductor” of all members in an organization
- Forming Stage: The excitement and abundance of new ideas from all members in this stage are inevitably accompanied by initial hesitation. The leader’s role at this time will lean towards a Directing style, acting as a “compass,” providing direction, and maintaining structure and clarity for the team.
- Storming Stage: As members work together, conflicts and disagreements are bound to arise. A Coaching style helps navigate these challenges, promoting exchange and positive collaboration.
- Norming Stage: At this stage, trust and cohesion are fostered, but there is also a potential risk of complacency and subjectivity in any position. Supportive leadership will add “fuel,” encouraging continuous development and innovation.
- Performing Stage: Once the team works smoothly, efficiently, achieves goals, and exceeds expectations, a Delegating approach gives members “wings” to continue to soar and reach their full potential.
Situational Leadership is a journey of constant change and adaptation. Excellent leaders know how to assess the skills, confidence of the team, and the needs of the task to choose the most appropriate leadership style. The secret to success lies not in sticking to a fixed style but in the ability to recognize the team’s development stage and adjust and flexibly transition the approach according to the team’s progress.
Thus, this flexibility will help you and your team overcome all challenges and reach great goals. By constantly learning and adjusting, you not only build a strong team but also increase your chances of conquering new heights.