Situational leadership is a type of leadership in which managers adapt the way they behave and act towards staff based on the situation. Within this type of leadership, the leader or manager may need to constantly change their leadership style to meet the needs of the organization.

Situational  leadership was developed by the 1970s by Ken Blanchard and Professor Paul Hersey; this type of leadership was originally referred to as “life cycle theory of leadership”. According to the theory, there are four types of  interchangeable leadership:

• Telling: Which involves an authoritative and direct style where the leader communicates in a one-way capacity exactly what everyone’s roles are and what they need to do
•  Selling: This is mostly similar to telling; however, in selling, the leader offers support and guidance to allow participants to buy into the process.
• Participating: This refers to a social style whereby the leader provides less behavioral guidance; it rather focuses on shared decision-making
• Delegating: In delegating, the leader’s role is to participate and monitor; main responsibilities have been passed onto others.

Successful managers are able to ‘read the room’ and change their style, rather than treating everyone from higher level managers to entry-level staff exactly the same.  

Advantages of Situational Leadership

• It is easy to understand and to use
• It increases productivity 
• Promotes employee retention