Welcome to effective business leadership! Here's a critical insight: there's no single "best" leadership style that works for every team member.
Different employees need different leadership approaches from you, depending on their skill level, experience, and motivation in their current role.
Engagement Message
Who's one team member you manage who needs a different approach than others?
Consider this: Would you manage a newly hired employee the same way you'd manage your top-performing senior team member?
Definitely not! The new hire needs more direction and guidance, while your senior performer likely wants more autonomy and decision-making authority.
Engagement Message
Can you think of someone who needs close guidance versus someone who thrives with independence?
Effective business leadership is built on two key behaviors you can adjust: directive behavior and supportive behavior.
These two dimensions combine in different ways to create four distinct leadership approaches that successful managers master.
Engagement Message
Which of the two—directive or supportive—comes more naturally to you as a manager?
Directive behavior involves providing clear expectations, specific task guidance, and closely monitoring performance and outcomes.
High directive includes: detailed work instructions, clear deadlines, regular progress reviews, and structured check-ins. Low directive allows more employee autonomy and self-direction.
Engagement Message
When might an employee need high directive behavior from you as their manager?
Supportive behavior focuses on encouragement, active listening, involving employees in decision-making, and building their professional confidence.
High supportive includes: regular feedback sessions, recognition and praise, soliciting employee input, and providing emotional support. Low supportive is more task-focused with minimal relationship emphasis.
