Time for the supporting leadership style! Remember how coaching combined high direction with high support?
Supporting is different - you give high support but LOW direction. Perfect for team members with good skills who just need encouragement and confidence.
Engagement Message
Can you think of someone who's skilled but just needs more confidence?
Supporting style works best for high competence but low or variable commitment. They know how to perform their role well but might feel uncertain, unmotivated, or overwhelmed.
Think experienced team member facing a challenging new project - they have the technical skills but need emotional backing.
Engagement Message
What might cause a skilled team member to lose motivation or confidence?
The key shift: instead of telling them what to do, you ASK what they think should be done. You become a sounding board rather than a director.
"What's your approach to this challenge?" instead of "Here's what you should do."
Engagement Message
How does being asked for your input make you feel versus being told what to do?
High support behaviors include: active listening, asking thoughtful questions, providing encouragement, and sharing decision-making responsibility.
You're essentially saying "I trust your expertise - let's work through this together."
Engagement Message
Which of these support behaviors would be most meaningful when you're feeling uncertain about a challenging task?
Low direction means: fewer specific instructions, less frequent check-ins, and more autonomy in how they approach their work.
You shift from "Do this, then this" to "What do you think your next steps should be?"
Engagement Message
Why might too much direction actually hurt a competent team member's performance?
