Situational Leadership - Supporting

The third phase of Situational Leadership is Supporting. In this phase, the follower is competent to perform the task and yet has learned enough to be concerned that perhaps she isn't as skilled as she thinks she is. In other words, there is a bit of a confidence gap.

Perhaps our newly minted trainer has co-trained with a lead instructor and the lead instructor believes she's ready to train solo. The new trainer is hesitant. What if this group of participants behaves very differenly from the last group? What if they take significantly more or less time with activities?

The alert lead trainers should at this point perhaps offer to sit in and observe, giving feedback and suggestions when asked. Smiling and nodding at the right moments can help too.

Leadership Tips

Some leaders enjoy the supporting role and are reluctant to move to the last phase - delegating. When the follower is ready, let go.

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