What is situational leadership?

• A. Directing leadership style as default.
• B. The readiness level of followers does not affect leadership style.
• C. Leadership style should always be delegating.
• D. Adapting leadership style to the readiness level of followers (directive to supportive to delegating).

Answer: (D)

Situational leadership is about adjusting your leadership style to fit what followers need at that moment. It recognizes that people vary in their ability and willingness to perform a task, so you tailor your approach rather than using a one-size-fits-all method. The model outlines four styles—directing (clear instructions and close supervision), coaching (task guidance with more support), supporting (encouragement and collaboration with shared responsibility), and delegating (high autonomy for capable, committed followers). The key idea is to start with more directive behavior when readiness is low and progressively shift toward supportive and then delegating as readiness improves. This adaptive approach helps develop followers while achieving tasks.

The other options don’t fit because leadership isn’t fixed or universally fixed as directive, and readiness does matter. Delegating all the time ignores the need to build capability and confidence in followers who aren’t ready yet, and directing by default fails to account for varying readiness levels.