Situational Leadership

My dad recently sent me an article titled Lessons in Leadership, An Interview with Paul Hersey. Not knowing who Paul Hersey is (should I?) I was hesitant to waste either the brainpower or time to read the article. However, 5 mins into my one hour bus ride my Ipod dies. Ok, some creepy lady is staring at me and chewing at the same time, might as well read the article.

The article begins with a definition of Leadership, "... is simply the process of influencing someone to do something that he or she might otherwise not do." Not a bad definition by my standards. He also makes it very clear that its not manipulation but simply influence. It seems now that if leadership is influence, then influence is leadership. Which also has the effect of dispelling the notion that leadership is top down, rather its 360 degrees and in every aspect of your life from family, friends, associates, peers and most importantly, bosses.

So what is the best way to influence others? Two types of behaviour: Task behaviour and relationship behaviour. The relationship exists between the two in a simple model of high task behaviour/low relationship behaviour, low task/low relationship, high task/high relationship and high task/low relationship. In different leadership/influence situations there will be a appropriate combination to use. In a emergency situation, car accident for example, there is little time to worry about the relationship but proper instructions must be given thus the situation calls for high task/low relationship style leadership. To explain each further, task is instruction-based with a given set of criteria whereas relationship behaviour focuses on the interaction between the people involved. This can range from support and emotional guidance to motivation and energy. The leader should always use a combination of both, never all of one.

I think back to the leaders that have provided me with the most inspiration. When directions needed to given they were given but always with a touch of caring. However, it seems that the emphasis is on task behaviour in the early stages of a persons career. Certainly it seems that there is room for more relationship influence among a persons first jobs. Next time you are dealing with an employee, boss or family member, look into the situation and decide what leadership style is needed. If your secretary comes to you and tells you that her sister is in the hospital, do not list off the steps to a healthy recovery. Give her the caring that she needs. That is leadership.

Email me for the article at: andrewjmckee@gmail.com