What Is Situational Leadership?
Situational leadership is a management approach that adapts a leader’s style to the skills and motivation of each team member. Instead of using one fixed method, the leader adjusts direction and support depending on whether the person is a beginner, a struggler, or a high performer.
The model was introduced by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. Today, it remains one of the most practical ways to build flexible, effective teams.
👉 You can try it yourself using my Situational Leadership & Skill Will Matrix Tool, which helps managers analyze team performance step by step.
Why Is Situational Leadership Important in 2025?
Teams are more diverse and complex than ever. Managers often lead across hybrid environments, different generations, and skill gaps. A rigid leadership style can no longer keep performance on track.
Situational leadership gives managers a clear framework:
- New employees get structured guidance.
- Experienced but unmotivated staff receive coaching and inspiration.
- High-skill performers are trusted with freedom.
According to Harvard Business Review, companies that emphasize coaching and adaptable leadership see stronger engagement and performance across teams.
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8 Powerful Lessons from Situational Leadership
1. No One Style Works Everywhere
A common mistake is thinking one leadership style fits all. Situational leadership reminds us that every employee requires a different approach depending on their skill and will.
2. Motivation Matters as Much as Skill
High skill with low motivation can stall progress. Leaders must address both dimensions. In many cases, the real barrier is not competence, but commitment.
3. Beginners Need Direction, Not Delegation
New employees benefit most from clear instructions. Too much freedom early on can create confusion and frustration. Therefore, direct guidance is the safest starting point.
4. Skilled but Unmotivated Employees Require Inspiration
Some team members know what to do but lack drive. In such cases, leaders must focus on encouragement, recognition, and aligning work with personal values.
5. Coaching Bridges Learning and Mastery
The transition from beginner to performer requires steady coaching. This means offering guidance, feedback, and encouragement while avoiding micromanagement.
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6. Delegation Works with High-Skill, High-Will Performers
When employees are both capable and motivated, the best strategy is trust. Delegating responsibility empowers them and frees leaders to focus on broader priorities.
7. Leadership Must Evolve as Teams Evolve
A style that works today may not work tomorrow. Situational leadership is about constant adjustment as people gain skills and confidence.
8. Adaptability Builds Trust and Performance
When leaders show they understand individual needs, teams respond with loyalty and higher output. As a result, adaptability becomes the fastest way to earn trust.
👉 To see how adaptability also drives marketing success, review my Marketing Fundamentals Course, where I explain how flexibility strengthens long-term results.
Case Study: Situational Leadership in a Pharma Marketing Team
When I managed a pharma marketing department, I had three distinct team members:
- An enthusiastic beginner who brought energy but no experience.
- A mid-level employee with skill but low motivation after a failed campaign.
- A senior performer who consistently delivered and sought more independence.
Using the Skill Will Matrix, I adjusted my approach. For the beginner, I offered step-by-step directions. The mid-level employee received coaching and a renewed sense of purpose. Meanwhile, the senior performer was given full ownership of a project.
The result was balance. Each person got what they needed, and team performance improved without overburdening anyone.
How to Use the Skill Will Matrix Effectively
Follow these steps to apply situational leadership with the Skill Will Matrix:
- Assess Skill. Rate each team member’s competence from low to high.
- Assess Will. Measure their motivation and commitment.
- Place on Matrix. Assign them to one of four quadrants.
- Adapt Leadership Style.
- Low skill / high will → direct and train.
- High skill / low will → inspire and coach.
- Low skill / low will → guide closely with feedback.
- High skill / high will → delegate and empower.
- Review Regularly. People move across quadrants as they develop.
👉 Test this with my Situational Leadership & Skill Will Matrix Tool to analyze your team’s performance and decide which style to apply.
FAQs
What are the four styles of situational leadership?
Directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Each matches a different level of skill and motivation.
How does the Skill Will Matrix work?
It maps team members across two axes—skill and will—to guide the leader on which style to apply.
Can situational leadership be used outside of business?
Yes. It works in education, healthcare, sports coaching, and even parenting.
Is situational leadership better than transformational leadership?
They complement each other. Situational leadership focuses on adaptability, while transformational leadership focuses on vision and inspiration.
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Conclusion
Leadership is not about rigid authority; it is about adaptability. Situational leadership provides a framework that turns managers into flexible guides who adjust style to fit the needs of each team member.
In 2025, with hybrid work, diverse teams, and constant change, adaptability is no longer optional. It is the core of effective leadership.
👉 Try the Situational Leadership & Skill Will Matrix Tool to analyze your own team and practice these lessons immediately.
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