The situational approach is described as the direction and support of a leader in a given situation. “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others”-John Maxwell. Leadership is a delicate balance between power and empowerment, punishment and reward. This balance is easily changed based on a a given situation.
In the United States, 9/11 demonstrates the delicate balance our previous president George Bush had to maintain. While mourning the loss of over 3,000 people, he also had to prepare us for war. He had to encourage people to fight for their country and used the sorrow as motivation which led to the 8% military increase after 9/11 (Daniel, 2011). This is a prime example of high directive and high supportive style.
Similar but slightly contrary to high directive and high supportive is the low directive and high supportive approach. A more everyday example of this might be a little league team. For example, I was very competitive in basketball in elementary school. We had games, traveled to other schools but the scores were never counted and everyone got trophies and awards. It wasn’t the best idea to scream at 8-9 year old girls for missing shots, running too slow or other things you expect NBA players to never do. The coach listened to us, praised us and gave us constructive criticism just as this type of leader would do (Northouse, p.95).
When being a leader with adults or children there is of course different ways to handle situations. Adults can handle more directive order better than a child. A more stern approach with children depending on age can lead to crying and meltdowns. Either way support or directive orders need to be balanced at all times when in leadership.
Daniel, L. (2011). Recruiters recall Patriotism of Post-9/11 America. U.S. Department of Defense http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=65272
P.G. Northouse. (2016). Leadership Theory and Practice 7th Edition. Western Michigan University: SAGE Publications.