What is situational leadership and how should a leader adapt their style?

• A. A rigid management style that uses one mode for all followers.
• B. A model that adapts to a follower's readiness; adjust directive versus supportive behaviors based on competence and confidence.
• C. A theory focusing on reward and punishment.
• D. A method of setting long-term plans without considering followers.

Answer: (B)

Situational leadership is about tailoring how you lead to each follower’s level of readiness. Readiness combines competence (skill and knowledge) and confidence (motivation and willingness). The idea is to adjust your behavior along a spectrum from directing to supporting. When someone is new or lacks skills, you provide clear instructions, close guidance, and specific directions. As they gain both ability and belief in themselves, you shift toward more supportive behavior—encouraging, listening, and involving them—until they can work independently and eventually take ownership. This flexible approach helps people develop while performance improves, rather than forcing everyone into the same style.

Other options describe rigid management, a focus on rewards/punishments, or planning without considering followers, which miss the essential idea: adapting leadership to the follower’s development level and balance between directive and supportive actions.