Estimated reading time: 3 mins
As a leader in an organisation, I understand the importance of having a strong leader-follower relationship in order to create a successful, cohesive and motivated team. To this end, I have been exploring the Leader Follower Situation Model, a highly influential theory in leadership development. In this article, I will be discussing why understanding this model makes better leadership possible and how I can use it to my advantage as a leader.
The Leader Follower Situation Model is a framework developed by psychologists Bruce J. Avolio and John C. McCauley in 1992. This model states that the leader-follower relationship is formed by the interaction of three elements: the leader, the follower and the situation. The model states that the success of the leader-follower relationship depends on the extent to which the leader and the follower are able to interact with each other in the given situation. The leader in this model is responsible for providing direction and motivation to the follower.
- The leader must be able to understand the needs of the follower and provide guidance and support.
- The follower is responsible for responding to the leader’s direction and taking action based on the leader’s guidance.
- The situation is the environment in which the leader and follower interact. This includes the external context such as the organisation’s goals and objectives, the team dynamics and the leader’s personal style.
Understanding this model is essential for effective leadership. It helps the leader to take into account all three elements when developing a leader-follower relationship. This allows the leader to assess the needs of the follower and the situation in order to provide the most effective guidance and support. Understanding the Leader Follower Situation Model also helps the leader to recognise when the relationship is not working and to make changes as needed.
As a leader, I can use the Leader Follower Situation Model to my advantage by assessing the needs of each individual follower. I can use this model to assess the follower’s strengths and weaknesses and to determine the best approach to provide support and guidance. I can also use the model to assess the situation and identify areas of improvement. This allows me to develop an effective and successful leader-follower relationship that meets the needs of both parties.
In addition, understanding the Leader Follower Situation Model can help me to develop a more effective leadership style. For example, I can use the model to assess the needs of my team members and adjust my leadership style to suit their individual needs. This will help to create a positive and productive work environment.
Finally, understanding the Leader Follower Situation Model can help me to identify potential sources of conflict and to address them effectively. By understanding the needs of the follower and the situation, I can develop strategies to resolve conflicts before they escalate. This will help to create a harmonious and productive working environment.
In conclusion, understanding the Leader Follower Situation Model is essential for effective leadership. It allows the leader to assess the needs of the follower and the situation in order to provide the most effective guidance and support. It also helps the leader to identify potential sources of conflict and to address them effectively. As a leader, I can use this model to my advantage by assessing the needs of each individual follower and developing an effective leader-follower relationship.
