Situational Leadership

The Situational Leadership model is about understanding that there is no single best way to lead because what works depends on the readiness and needs of the people you lead. The idea is to identify the specific task at hand, assess how prepared and confident the person is to do it, and choose a leadership style that best supports them. That might mean giving clear direction, offering encouragement, explaining more fully, or collaborating closely. When the leader’s approach matches the follower’s needs, it creates a strong fit that helps people perform better and feel supported.

The Center for Leadership Studies provides high-quality training and resources on the Situational Leadership Model, and its one-page ‘summary sheet’ is available below.