Christopher is a seasoned employee who loves his job. He is able to complete tasks without supervision and is self-motivated. His new manager, Robert, is unsure of which leadership style should be used for Christopher. According to Hersey-Blanchard’s Life Cycle and Situational Leadership Theory, what leadership style should Robert use?
Explanation
Answer: D - The S4 delegating leadership style is ideally suited for employees such as Christopher who are both able and willing to perform the tasks required.
Key Takeaway: An employee who is able to perform the job assignment, confident that they can complete it successfully, and fully willing and motivated to complete the task is categorized as an R4 by the Hersey-Blanchard life cycle and situational leadership theory. Based on this readiness level, it is recommended that a delegating leadership style be used, where tasks are provided to the employee, but close monitoring and encouragement are not required.
