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Topic time estimate: 3 Minutes

When we talk about leadership styles, we promote that:

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  • There is no superior leadership style
  • Instead, situational leadership is best

A good situational leader will find him- or herself switching instinctively between styles according to the people, environment, skill levels and work they are dealing with. It’s a bit like a golfer choosing the right club.

Situational leadership needs practice

  • Being aware of your instinctive style will enable you to make better behavioural decisions and adapt your style to different situations.
  • Some of your behaviour might instinctively align with your values and your situation and others might require conscious adjustments.
  • Most leaders easily fall back into their natural behavioural style, especially when stressed during change.

Example

If you are working in hospitality and customer service with an experienced, extroverted team on high rotation you probably best exhibit a gorilla-like leadership.

If you have identified yourself to be comfortable as an ant leader, you are probably experiencing a stretch. A constant stretch can demand lots of energy and can cause stress. The longer and the more you are required to adapt your natural leadership style to your situation, the more you will be required to balance and recharge. For example, finding ways within your organisation, role, or leisure time to be yourself, helps build resilience and strength to avoid frustration.

Reflection

Take a minute or two to complete your reflection notes on page 8 of your workbook, by answering the following questions:

  • What is my preferred Zooleader?
  • What is my situation: The nature of the change, the skill level of my team, the work involved…
  • What is the predominant Zooleader style across my stakeholders?
  • What is the most common action I need to perform?
  • Do I complete this action in my natural style (my Zooleader)? Do I use an acquired style (different Zooleader)? Do I adapt my behaviour to the situation?

Upload your notes below to progress to the next learning checkpoint.

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