Definition
Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard in the late 1960s were the first to describe the directing leadership style. The directing leader clearly provides specific instructions, defines the roles and tasks of the "follower," and closely supervises task completion.
Decisions are made by the leader and announced to the followers, so this communication style is largely one-way.
Explanation
Along with Daniel Goleman, Hersey and Blanchard were advocates of conditional leadership. They believed no single style applied to all situations, and a successful leader would flex their leadership style to their operating environment.
The directing leadership style is most effective when the followers are relatively inexperienced, and need to be instructed in how to accomplish tasks. For example, when there is a large flow of new personnel into the organization, the directing leader should be very explicit when directing subordinates. Closely monitoring progress is also important, in case additional directions are required.
Related Terms
A leadership model that links the effectiveness of a leader's style to the current work environment is referred to as situational leadership. Described by both Goleman and Blanchard, a deep understanding of conditional leadership allows the manager to change their leadership style as conditions warrant.
Moneyzine EditorNovember 22nd, 2023- The transactional leadership style was first described by Max Weber in 1947, and again by Bernard M. Bass in 1981. Transactional leaders are on the opposite theory spectrum relative to transformational leaders. The former depends on a system of rewards and punishments, while the latter takes advantage of internal motivations.Moneyzine EditorSeptember 26th, 2023
- First described by Weber in 1947, then later by Burns in 1978 and Bass in 1985, transformational leaders were one of the two main categories of leaders documented; the other being transactional leaders. Transformational leaders are characterized by their willingness to seek innovative solutions in an attempt to bring about changes in all of society.Moneyzine EditorSeptember 26th, 2023
