Fundamentals of Situational Leadership

Even the most experienced leaders encounter moments when their usual strategies fall short—projects stall, top performers disengage, and seasoned team members resist change. Such challenges often stem from a mismatch between the leadership style and the evolving needs of individuals or teams. In this Bigger Brains course, subject matter expert Susan Stocker introduces the Situational Leadership Model (SLM), a flexible, context-driven approach to leadership developed by Ken Blanchard and Paul Hersey. Susan explains how to distinguish between managing and leading, assess employee readiness, and apply the appropriate leadership style to meet situational demands. 

You’ll learn four core leadership styles, the difference between directive and supportive behaviors, and how to support team members based on individual readiness. You’ll also learn strategies for using situational leadership to foster team growth, navigate organizational change, and address underperformance effectively. Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned executive, this course will equip you with key tools for leading with agility, building stronger teams, and driving sustained success. 

Topics covered include: 

• Recognizing why adaptability is critical in leadership 

• Differentiating between managing and leading 

• Identifying the four leadership styles and their applications 

• Differentiating between directive and supportive behaviors 

• Applying each leadership style in different scenarios 

• Identifying appropriate behaviors for each leadership style 

• Developing and using questions and strategies to support employees based on their readiness level 

• Assessing employee readiness based on competence and commitment 

• Applying the SLM in practical, real-world situations 

• Adjusting leadership styles based on team and individual needs 

• Using the SLM to address underperformance  effectively 

• Using situational leadership strategies to foster team growth and autonomy 

• Identifying the benefits and limitations of the SLM 

Enjoy award winning HD content in the “Uniquely Engaging”TM Bigger Brains Teacher-Learner style! Taught by top subject matter experts, Bigger Brains courses are professionally designed around key learning objectives and include captions and transcripts in 29 languages, downloadable handouts, and optional LinkedIn digital badges on course completion.