Leadership Begins with the Right Leadership Style

by Jon Close

May 25, 2026

Not all team members require the same leadership approach.

Some people need clear direction, others need encouragement and others need autonomy and trust

Ken Blanchard's situational leadership model reminds us that effective leaders adjust their style based on the competence (skills) and commitment: (motivation and confidence) of the individual team member. In my coaching, I invite leaders to ask: what does this person need from me right now to succeed?

Leadership is not about applying one approach to everyone.

It is about providing what each person needs to succeed.

Great leaders adapt their leadership style so that people can grow.

This Week's Practice

Choose one person on your team and ask yourself: Do they need more direction?

Do they need more direction
More encouragement?
More involvement in decisions?
More independence and trust?

Adjust your leadership approach (clear direction or encouragement, or extending autonomy and trust) accordingly.

Effective leadership is not rigid-it is responsive.

DISC Insight - Adjusting Leadership Style.

D - Dominance

You may prefer moving quickly to delegation. Ensure people are truly ready before you step back.

I - Inspiring

You naturally encourage people, but may overlook the need for the clear direction early in the development.

S - Support

You excel at encouragement, but may hesitate to provide necessary direction.

C- Cautious

You provide strong structure and clarity but may need to increase encouragement as people grow.

Bottom Line:

Effective leaders do not use one leadership style.

They use the right leadership style for the moment.

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