Which statement is consistent with the Situational Leadership Model?

Which statement is consistent with the Situational Leadership Model?

• A. There is a single best leadership style for all situations.
• B. Leaders should always delegate regardless of readiness.
• C. The best style depends on the readiness of followers in terms of ability and willingness.
• D. The best style is determined by the leader's personal preference.

Answer: (C)

Situational Leadership centers on tailoring your leadership approach to the readiness of your followers. Readiness means how capable and willing they are to take on a task, and the model says you adjust your style as that readiness changes. When people have lower ability or confidence, you lead with more direction and structure to build competence and commitment. As they gain skills and motivation, you shift toward more supportive or delegating behaviors to foster independence. This idea—that the best way to lead depends on followers’ readiness rather than a single universal style—explains why the answer emphasizes matching leadership style to ability and willingness. The notion that there is one best style for all situations, or that you should always delegate regardless of readiness, or that the leader’s personal preference determines the style, would ignore the core premise of adapting to followers’ development.

Situational Leadership centers on tailoring your leadership approach to the readiness of your followers. Readiness means how capable and willing they are to take on a task, and the model says you adjust your style as that readiness changes. When people have lower ability or confidence, you lead with more direction and structure to build competence and commitment. As they gain skills and motivation, you shift toward more supportive or delegating behaviors to foster independence. This idea—that the best way to lead depends on followers’ readiness rather than a single universal style—explains why the answer emphasizes matching leadership style to ability and willingness. The notion that there is one best style for all situations, or that you should always delegate regardless of readiness, or that the leader’s personal preference determines the style, would ignore the core premise of adapting to followers’ development.