Elizabeth LongWhile reading the chapter on situational approach in Northouse (2013), I’m reminded of an all-day training workshop I attended at work a few years ago. This training was focused around an ancient symbol from Native American traditions referred to as the Medicine Wheel. The Medicine Wheel represents the four winds of nature: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. First I’ll explain what the situational approach in leadership is and then I’ll compare it with the training workshop.
The situational approach is where a leader alters their leadership style to fit the situation and/or the people they are supervising (PSU WC L.5 p. 12). For example, a leader may speak to an employee that has just suffered the loss of a family member (Lee) differently than an employee who is slacking off in their duties by playing computer games (Josh). Both employees are not getting their work done but the leader will speak with each employee utilizing a different approach such as being more sympathetic toward Lee and more candid with Josh. There are four leadership styles that make up the situation approach such as delegating, supportive, coaching, and directing. The Medicine Wheel (aka Leadership Compass) also has four leadership styles which are North (buffalo), East (eagle), South (mouse), and West (bear).
Delegating leadership style is a leader that is removed from the daily intricacies of an organization as well as the people in it (Northouse, 2013). Like the bear, the leader settles into a position of viewing responsibilities from a distance. As long as the work is getting done, he/she does not feel the need to intervene.
The mouse is the supportive leadership style which is always there for his/her subordinates. The supportive leader builds relationships, entrusts followers to fulfill their tasks, and is there to listen and solve problems (Northouse, 2013).
Coaching (eagle) leadership is highly directive and supportive (Northouse, 2013). The eagle is fixated on the big picture but enjoys being involved with all aspects of fulfilling goals. The eagle is also optimistic, patient, and has a positive outlook.
Directing leadership style matches up with the buffalo on the Leadership Compass. Both are goal oriented and focus on the bottom line. According to Northouse (2013), directing style is high directive and low supportive which means that they expect results with little regard to one’s feelings.
The situational leadership approach is basically telling us that leaders need to be developed in all styles so one is able to pair the style with a situation or employee’s skill level (PSU WC L.5 p. 15). If we look at the animals positioned at each corner of the compass, we can see how the bear is reserved and keeps to itself, the mouse keeps low to the ground and provides for their large family, the eagle soars high above but cares for their young thoroughly, and the buffalo steams forward trampling over anything in the way. Similarity to the leadership styles, depending on the direction one is taking and the goals one is trying to achieve, the leader will need to transform into the correct animal to satisfy the assignment.
References
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Pennsylvania State University World Campus (2014). PSYCH 485 Lesson 5: Style and Situational Approaches. Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/su14/psych485/001/content/05_lesson/printlesson.html