The situational leadership theory is often referred to as the Hersey-Blanchard situational

leadership theory. According to this theory, the most effective leaders are those who are
able to adapt their styles to the situation and look at cues such as the type of the task, the
nature of the group, and other factors that might contribute to getting the job done.

To be most effective and successful, a leader must be able to adapt his style and approach
to diverse circumstances. For example, some employees function better under a leader who
is more autocratic and directive. For others success will be more likely if the leader can step
back and trust his team to make decisions and carry out plans without the leader’s direct
involvement.

Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for different types of decision-making.
For example, in a situation where the leader is expected to be the most knowledgeable and
experienced member of a group, an authoritarian style of leadership might be most
appropriate. In other instances where group members are skilled experts and expect to be
treated as such, a democratic style may be more effective.

With globalization, technological advancement leaders should lead through influence. The
hierarchical command and control structures of the past are gone. The pandemic also killed
a large part of that traditional leadership culture. This is a good example of situational
leadership. Leadership has shifted from an autocratic style and towards a more
collaborative approach, fostering greater teamwork, productivity, innovation and creativity.
The crisis has also created a greater need for softer traits like empathy, adaptability, active
listening and team building.

I had the opportunity to work with different Managers during my career. Leadership styles
differ for different managers in different training centres. Each manager has his own
leadership style. The centre environment is the very first factor which determines the
effectiveness of the manager as a leader. Feidler, suggests a relationship between
leadership styles and departmental effectiveness and success. Furthermore, the range of
situations which present themselves to a leader depend on factors such as the culture of the
organization, time pressure, the amount of authority and the amount of responsibility the
leader has. Schools which have good team building, mutual support and understanding is
achieved, standards established, training provided and most importantly, communication and
information channels opened.
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