Practical Situational Leadership Examples

Examples of Use of Situational Leadership Styles

Examples of Situational Leadership

1. A toddler (very young infant) is learning to walk. At first, the parent will guide the toddler and even help him. However, as he grows, the parent has to just monitor, and let him choose his path. As he makes further progress, the infant learns to walk on his own, and the parent will not need to either direct or monitor him.
   Likewise, with training and motivation, a subordinate will improve, and according to the changing situation, the leader has to change his style―being less directive over time.
2. An emergency room in a hospital. The leader of such room has to be quite authoritative. In situations of acute emergency, there is no time for extensive debates and the leader has to direct his subordinates clearly and firmly, using all her/his skills and expertise. Similarly in a war situation, the military commander might have to direct the troops to follow a particular strategy, in case the situation demands it.
3. A manager has a particular assignment to complete. However, another important task arises that requires him/her to be present. She/he may choose to assign that task to a competent associate. In this case, he/she needs to 'delegate' the work, and show complete trust, without interfering in the style of working of the associate.

Situational Leadership Classroom Exercises