Business 101: Principles of Management

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Discover what makes the situational leader different from other types of leaders, following the contingency school of management. Learn how situational leadership is applied in the workplace.

The Situational Leader

You like pot-a-to. I like pot-ah-to. You like tom-a-to. I like tom-ah-to. Pot-a-to, pot-ah-to, tom-a-to, tom-ah-to - who's to say which is right? Depending on your preference, I am sure you could easily argue one is better than the other, but is that always true in every situation? The situational leader would suggest not.

Situational Leadership Defined

The situational leader emerged out of the contingency school of management, which can be summarized as the 'it all depends' approach.

Origins of situational leadership

According to situational theorists, there are no universal behaviors or practices appropriate for all leadership scenarios.

Theory behind situational leadership

They believe effective leader behaviors differ from situation to situation. A manager must choose the appropriate management style based on the leadership situation and the capacity of both the leader and his or her followers. Consequently, before the situational leader can make decisions, they have to first assess these factors. The situational leader will then adjust their style to accommodate any limitations that surround the situation, themselves and the subordinates.

Situational Leader Example

To better understand situational leadership, let's take a look at this example.

Meet Sanjay the Situational Leader

Sanjay is a head nurse at a small hospital. As a nurse, Sanjay faces high pressure situations that require him to assess the surrounding circumstances on an individual basis. For example, when faced with a situation where a patient is receiving routine treatment, Sanjay can allow his subordinates to participate in the decision making and even allow them to make decisions on their own. Because the situation is typical and Sanjay's employees are well trained to handle it, he can be far more laissez-faire or give the least possible guidance to subordinates. However, in a code blue scenario where a patient might be on the verge of dying, Sanjay must maintain a higher degree of control over the situation and decision making.

Sanjay assesses the situation and takes control

The situation is high risk, and while Sanjay's subordinates may have the necessary skills to handle the situation on their own, he does not allow room for error. Sanjay knows that he must offer direction based on what he feels is best for the patient. There is no time to discuss, collaborate or vote on decisions. Sanjay must quickly assess the situation for what needs to be done and who the best people are to do it.

Lesson Summary

Let's review. Situational theorists believe universal behaviors or practices do not exist, and effective leaders know how to vary their behaviors from situation to situation.

Reviewing the definition of situational leadership

The situational leader will assess the leadership situation and the capacity of both the leader and his or her followers before choosing the appropriate management style for decision making. A nurse provides a good example of someone who needs to use situational leadership on a daily basis. The question I leave you with is how would you handle a leadership role under pressure? Would you maintain your traditional style, or do you accommodate the limitations that surround the situation, yourself and your subordinates?