Which leadership approach focuses on adapting styles based on team member readiness?

The leadership approach that focuses on adapting styles based on team member readiness is situational leadership. This model, developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, emphasizes that effective leadership is not a one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, leaders must assess the readiness level of their followers—essentially their competence and commitment—and then adjust their leadership style to match that level.

In situational leadership, there are four primary styles: directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating. Each of these styles is designed to cater to different levels of team member readiness. For example, if a team member is new and lacks confidence, a more directive style may be beneficial, whereas a seasoned team member who shows high competence could thrive under a delegating style. This adaptability is key to fostering growth, enhancing team dynamics, and achieving organizational objectives effectively.

Other leadership approaches, like transactional leadership, focus on a system of rewards and punishments rather than on adjusting styles to fit individual needs. Authoritarian leadership emphasizes strict control and compliance, which does not allow for flexibility based on team dynamics. Transformational leadership centers on inspiring and motivating followers to achieve extraordinary outcomes, but it does not specifically address adapting to the readiness levels of team members.