Paul Hersey & Kenneth Blanchard

Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard developed the Situational Leadership Theory, which suggests that effective leadership depends on adapting your style to the needs of your team members. They identified four leadership styles—directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating—that vary based on an individual’s competence and confidence. The core idea is that leaders should assess their team members’ readiness and adjust their approach accordingly to motivate and guide them most effectively. This flexible method recognizes that different situations and people require different types of leadership for optimal performance and development.