02/26/2024

Applying the Most Appropriate Leadership Style

The leadership style you should use depends on the situation

Leaders influence and inspire people to make positive changes. They diagnose each situation and determine which leadership style will be most effective.    

There are three basic leadership styles:

• Directing Style — Tell people what changes are required and what they need to do. This approach is appropriate in emergencies and when people have limited experience. People learn to listen, pay attention, ask questions and follow directions.       
• Discussing Style — Ask questions to solicit people’s ideas on problems and opportunities. This approach is appropriate when people have some experience and expertise, and you want to increase their buy-in and commitment to decisions. People learn to think, collaborate, negotiate, compromise and make decisions.        
• Delegating Style — Empower people to work independently and implement the desired changes. This approach is appropriate when people have specific interests, experience and skills and are committed to doing what’s needed. People learn to define problems, establish goals, formulate plans and work through obstacles.       

Using the appropriate leadership style motivates people to be fully engaged and motivated. Each leadership style also builds people’s knowledge and skills, making them more effective employees. 

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