Your leadership style has little to do with you!
When leaders first hear about various leadership styles, they have a tendency to identify with one.
However, most experts are clear that there is not one right approach. The best leadership style is one that is appropriate to the situation and the individual involved.
The Skill/Will matrix is a simple tool that helps leaders decide the best style in a given situation with a particular team member.
The matrix has two dimensions - the team member’s Skill at performing a certain activity, and their Will (motivation) to do so.
The application is task-specific - the best approach can differ for the same individual on a different task.
When Skill and Will are high, Delegate - empower people and hold them accountable.
When Skill is high and Will is low, Excite them - try and rekindle their motivation.
When Skill is slow but Will is high, Guide - support the individual in acquiring necessary skills.
When Skill and Will are both low, exercise your judgment on what would be best for the individual - motivation, retraining, reassignment, or easing out.
The Skill/Will matrix is a simple tool that allows you to use the right mix of coaching and directing, and helps you lead people the way they want and need to be led.
