Welcome to the Supporting Management Style! This combines low directive behavior with high supportive behavior when managing your team.

You're stepping back from micromanaging but increasing encouragement, collaboration, and involving team members in decisions. Think "coach from the sidelines."

Engagement Message

When might a team member need less direction but more emotional support from their manager?

The supporting management style works perfectly for competent but cautious team members. These people have the skills to perform well but lack confidence in their decision-making abilities.

They don't need you to tell them how to do their job—they need you to believe in them and include them in relevant decisions.

Engagement Message

Who on your team comes to mind when you think of someone who's skilled but hesitant to act independently?

Here's what makes competent but cautious team members unique: they can execute tasks well, but they second-guess themselves or seek excessive approval before moving forward.

Unlike inexperienced employees, they don't need detailed instructions. They need encouragement to trust their professional judgment.

Engagement Message

How can you tell when someone needs encouragement instead of more training?

Ask for their input first before sharing your perspective. This builds their confidence in their own professional thinking.

Instead of "Here's how I want you to handle this project," try "What's your approach for tackling this project challenge?"

Engagement Message

What's one upcoming team decision where you could ask for their input first?

Facilitate their problem-solving rather than solving problems for them. Ask questions that guide them to develop their own solutions.

"What alternatives are you considering? What are the trade-offs of each approach? Which option aligns best with our objectives?"