Leadership styles can be classified into four categories of directive and supportive behaviors which are the directing style, the coaching approach, the supporting approach, and the delegating approach. All four of these leadership styles can influence others and in the NFL they are heavily influenced by these behaviors. Supportive behaviors involve comfortability around others and two-way communication and responses that show emotional and social support to others. Directive behaviors include accomplishment of goals, defining roles, methods of evaluation, setting timelines, and showing how set goals can be achieved. However, there are four styles within these directive and supportive behaviors that are evident in the NFL.

The National Football League is full of leaders whether it is the coach, team captain, trainer, or the general manager. Each one of these styles is incorporated throughout the NFL and leaders use these behaviors to achieve certain goals or success in the league. The first style they use is the directing style which is also known as the high directive-low supportive style. “In this approach, the leader focuses communication on goal achievement and spends a smaller amount of time using supportive behaviors” (Northouse, 2019). The directing style approach is seen in the NFL through the leadership role of the general manager. They focus on giving instructions to the coach on what they expect to happen throughout the season and show how those goals are to be accomplished. The general manager also supervises the coaches and players through the directing style.

Next up, the coaching approach is clearly seen in the NFL by the coaches of teams in the league. This approach is also known as the high directive-high supportive style that communicates on achieving team goals and meeting the socioemotional needs of players and fellow staff. This is seen with coaches directing and calling plays for their team to run to achieve success by scoring touchdowns, forcing turnovers, and winning the game. The coaches are also outlets for players to speak to about personal needs, social needs, and concerns they may have with the team. “The coaching-style requires that the leader involve himself or herself with followers by giving encouragement and soliciting follower input” (Northouse, 2019).

Third, we have the supporting approach seen by leaders in the NFL which is also known as the high supportive-low directive style of directive and supportive behaviors. This style is seen in the NFL by team doctors such as therapists, trainers, and psychologists that help players accomplish their goals throughout the season by showing them physical, social, and emotional support. When using this approach, leaders use supportive styles that include, “listening, praising, asking for input, and giving feedback” (Northouse, 2019). Team doctors such as trainers, therapists, and psychologists are always available for players when they get hurt or even need someone to talk to. Those doctors facilitate problem-solving within the team and it is one of the most important leaders for the team to achieve high amounts of success.

Lastly, the delegating approach which is also known as the low supportive-low directive style is seen by players in the NFL. These players are mostly quarterbacks when talking about the delegating approach. They are seen facilitating follower’s confidence in huddles and motivate players to accomplish a goal which could be scoring a touchdown on a particular play. After coaches agree on what play they want their team to run, the quarterback has the responsibility of getting the job done whatever way they see fit when the play happens. Sometimes coaches even allow quarterbacks to call their own plays in the huddle depending on what kind of situation is happening in the game.

References:

Hamel, R. (2021). Lesson 5: Style and Situational Approaches.

Northouse, P .G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications