Leadership Styles
HIGH
Situational leadership is a choice of behavior based on the specific task at hand.
Every style is a different balance of direction (instructions) and support (encouragement).
Supportive behaviour
Click each quadrant to learn more.
HIGH
LOW
Directive behaviour
DEVELOPED
DEVELOPING
D3
Able but insecure or unwilling
D2
Unable and insecure or unwilling
D4
D1
Able and confident and willing
Unable but confident or willing
facilitate
support
guidance
reliance
S2: Coaching (High Direction / High Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
Guidance is still high, but the leader adds high levels of supportive behavior to gain buy-in.
Explaining the reasoning behind decisions; seeking input from the learner, providing recognition for progress and allowing them to own appropriate decisions.
D2
Disillusioned Learner Some competence + low commitment.
This style helps the person gain competence while building/ rebuilding their confidence and motivation.
S3: Supporting (Low Direction / High Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
The leader steps back from directing and focuses on encouragement and shared decision-making.
Actively listening; asking open-ended questions; and acting as a sounding board for feedback to build the learner's confidence.
D3
Capable but cautiousHigh competence + variable commitment.
The focus is on encouraging the team member to use the skills they already have.
S1: Directing (High Direction / Low Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
Clearly defining roles; providing step-by-step instructions; and specifying the "what, how, and when" for task completion.
Focus is on providing clear instructions and supervision.
D1
Enthusiastic Beginner Low competence + high commitment.
This provides the structure needed to learn a new skill safely and correctly.
S4: Delegating (Low Direction / Low Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
The leader provides the vision and final goal but leaves the process and decisions to the team member.
Defining the outcome and providing the authority for the team member to take full ownership.
D4
Self-Reliant Achiever High competence + high commitment.
This provides autonomy to experts who are both skilled and motivated.
D3
Elise Brewster
Created on January 7, 2026
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Transcript
Leadership Styles
HIGH
Situational leadership is a choice of behavior based on the specific task at hand.
Every style is a different balance of direction (instructions) and support (encouragement).
Supportive behaviour
Click each quadrant to learn more.
HIGH
LOW
Directive behaviour
DEVELOPED
DEVELOPING
D3
Able but insecure or unwilling
D2
Unable and insecure or unwilling
D4
D1
Able and confident and willing
Unable but confident or willing
facilitate
support
guidance
reliance
S2: Coaching (High Direction / High Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
Guidance is still high, but the leader adds high levels of supportive behavior to gain buy-in.
Explaining the reasoning behind decisions; seeking input from the learner, providing recognition for progress and allowing them to own appropriate decisions.
D2
Disillusioned Learner Some competence + low commitment.
This style helps the person gain competence while building/ rebuilding their confidence and motivation.
S3: Supporting (Low Direction / High Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
The leader steps back from directing and focuses on encouragement and shared decision-making.
Actively listening; asking open-ended questions; and acting as a sounding board for feedback to build the learner's confidence.
D3
Capable but cautiousHigh competence + variable commitment.
The focus is on encouraging the team member to use the skills they already have.
S1: Directing (High Direction / Low Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
Clearly defining roles; providing step-by-step instructions; and specifying the "what, how, and when" for task completion.
Focus is on providing clear instructions and supervision.
D1
Enthusiastic Beginner Low competence + high commitment.
This provides the structure needed to learn a new skill safely and correctly.
S4: Delegating (Low Direction / Low Support)
Key Behaviours
Best Fit:
The Logic
The leader provides the vision and final goal but leaves the process and decisions to the team member.
Defining the outcome and providing the authority for the team member to take full ownership.
D4
Self-Reliant Achiever High competence + high commitment.
This provides autonomy to experts who are both skilled and motivated.