LEADERSHIP STYLES
Jeff Garbutt, Western Australia

Leadership is one of those human qualities that we often talk about, but sometimes don't really understand.. Many studies, books and even videos have been made covering this subject. Different leadership styles have been defined, such as autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire. Each style has advantages and disadvantages. But which is the most appropriate style ?

At this point I suggest that you try the following exercise:
" Build up a list of well known leaders from any avenue of human experience, both current and historical.
" Next try to define which particular quality of that person made/makes him/her a leader.
" Finally, try to find some common element that fits all leaders.

Chances are that you won't find any common ground. But there is !

The one thing that all leaders have in common is that they all have followers. So no study of leadership is complete unless followers are considered.

This leads us to a working definition of a leader:
"A leader is someone who can manipulate (or encourage) followers to do as the leader wishes".

As a result, a leader must know how to influence his/her followers. And of course, the more followers one has, the more complex is the task.

It is from such an analysis that the "Situational Leadership" model was created. This model is based upon the concept that leadership styles should be chosen to suit the situation or person it is intended for.

Situational Leadership defines four styles of leadership:
* Directing,
* Coaching,
* Supporting and
* Delegating.

Situational Leadership also assumes that there is no one best leadership style - each leadership style should be matched to the situation and the development of the followers. A good leader must have the ability to choose the appropriate style to suit the person and situation.


(For further information, read: "Leadership and the One Minute Manager, by Blanchard K, Zigarmi P and Zigarmi D.)