Hersey‑Blanchard Model (Situational Leadership)
The Hersey‑Blanchard Model, commonly called Situational Leadership, recommends that no single leadership style fits every situation. Instead, leaders should adapt their approach to the readiness — skill, experience, and willingness — of the people they lead. Effective leadership, under this model, balances task direction and relationship support to match follower maturity.
Key takeaways
- Leadership style should be matched to follower maturity (ability + willingness).
- The model describes four follower maturity levels and four corresponding leadership styles.
- Leaders assess, choose a style, and adapt as followers develop.
How it works
Leaders evaluate an individual’s or team’s competence and commitment for a specific task, then select a leadership style that provides the appropriate mix of direction (task behavior) and support (relationship behavior). As followers gain ability and confidence, the leader gradually reduces direction and increases delegation.
Explore More Resources
Follower maturity levels
- Low maturity: Limited skills or knowledge but enthusiastic; needs clear guidance and close supervision.
- Moderate-low maturity: Some skills or willingness present but inconsistent; may require direction plus motivation.
- Moderate-high maturity: Capable but lacking confidence or motivation to take full responsibility; benefits from support and encouragement.
- High maturity: Skilled, experienced, and confident; able to work independently with minimal oversight.
Leadership styles (and when to use them)
Each style varies by the amount of task direction and relationship support provided.
- Telling (high task, low relationship)
- Leader gives specific instructions and closely supervises.
-
Use for low‑maturity followers who need clear direction.
-
Selling (high task, high relationship)
- Leader explains decisions and persuades while providing guidance.
-
Use for moderate‑low maturity: followers have some ability but need motivation and clarity.
-
Participating (low task, high relationship)
- Leader shares decision‑making, encourages input, and supports.
-
Use for moderate‑high maturity: followers have ability but need confidence or involvement.
-
Delegating (low task, low relationship)
- Leader entrusts responsibility and monitors outcomes only as needed.
- Use for high‑maturity followers who are competent and committed.
How to apply the model
- Assess the follower’s task‑specific ability and willingness.
- Choose the leadership style that provides the right balance of direction and support.
- Monitor progress and adjust the style as the follower develops or as the situation changes.
Advantages
- Flexible and practical — can be applied to individuals and teams.
- Simple framework that helps leaders match behavior to follower needs.
- Encourages development by shifting toward delegation as competence grows.
Limitations
- Relies heavily on accurate assessment and judgment by the leader.
- Organizational constraints (authority, resources, time) can limit a leader’s ability to adapt.
- May place too much responsibility on the leader, and can be less effective in rigid cultures or complex group dynamics.
- Risk of prioritizing short‑term relationship/task fit over long‑term strategy if used without alignment to organizational goals.
Conclusion
The Hersey‑Blanchard Situational Leadership Model provides a straightforward method for adapting leadership behavior to follower readiness. When applied thoughtfully, it helps leaders provide the right mix of direction and support to develop competence and encourage autonomy.