Which approach should a situational leader adopt based on team capabilities?

A situational leader should adopt a flexible approach tailored to the team’s needs because this method acknowledges that different situations and team members have varying levels of competency and motivation. By being adaptable, the leader can assess the capabilities and readiness of team members and then provide the appropriate level of guidance and support tailored to each individual or group's specific circumstances.

This flexibility allows the leader to adjust their leadership style—whether that means being more directive when a team member is inexperienced, or more delegative when team members are skilled and confident. This approach fosters growth, builds team morale, and ultimately leads to better performance while catering to the unique dynamics of the team.

Uniformly applying the same style across all situations does not account for the varying needs of team members, potentially stifling development or leaving gaps in guidance. Additionally, a hands-off method without guidance can lead to confusion and lack of direction, especially for less experienced team members. A strict authoritarian style may yield short-term compliance but often fails to engage team members or leverage their potential effectively, which is counterproductive to fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment.