Guide to Situational Leadership in PMBOK 7th Edition

Situational Leadership is a crucial concept in the PMBOK Guide Seventh Edition that emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of a project manager's leadership style. This approach recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all style of leadership and that effective leaders must adjust their style based on the development level of their team members and the specific situation at hand.

Why It Is Important: Understanding situational leadership is vital for project managers as it enables them to effectively guide their teams through the complexities of a project. By adapting their leadership style to meet the needs of their team members, project managers can enhance team performance, improve communication, and increase the likelihood of project success.

What It Is: Situational Leadership is a model that proposes that successful leaders adjust their leadership style according to the 'maturity' (i.e., the competence and commitment) of the subordinates or team members they are trying to influence. It revolves around four primary leadership styles: Directing, Coaching, Supporting, and Delegating.

How It Works:

• Directing: High directive and low supportive behavior. Used when team members are inexperienced or unwilling.
• Coaching: High directive and high supportive behavior. Ideal when team members are willing but lack competence.
• Supporting: High supportive and low directive behavior. Suitable when team members are competent but lack confidence.
• Delegating: Low directive and low supportive behavior. Fits when team members are both competent and confident.

Project managers assess the task and the team members' stage of development, then apply the most appropriate leadership style.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Situational Leadership:

• Understand the characteristics of each leadership style and when it’s best applied.
• Recognize scenarios where adapting one’s leadership style is necessary for team development and project success.
• Pay attention to questions that describe a team member's competence and commitment levels as clues to the appropriate leadership style.
• Practice with scenario-based questions that require analysis of the situation and selection of the correct leadership approach.

Remember, situational leadership is about flexibility and adaptability. Questions will often test your ability to discern the right leadership style based on the specifics of the scenario provided.