--- title: Situational Leadership| Difference between Directing and Coaching Style description: Discover the basics of situational leadership. Learn how effective leaders use directing and coaching styles to support their team and achieve success. --- [![tlp-png-logo-blue](https://www.tlpnyc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tlp-png-logo-blue.png?width=276&height=137&name=tlp-png-logo-blue.png "tlp-png-logo-blue")](https://www.tlpnyc.com/) [212.625.8001](tel:212-625-8001) | [Blog](https://www.tlpnyc.com/blog) - Our Programs - Businesses - [Business](https://www.tlpnyc.com/our-programs/businesses) - [Employee Management Training Program](https://www.tlpnyc.com/en-us/employee-management-training) - [Coaching](https://www.tlpnyc.com/our-programs/businesses/leadership-coaching) - [Ala Carte Workshop Menu](https://www.tlpnyc.com/our-programs/businesses/lp-workshop-listing) - [Colleges](https://www.tlpnyc.com/motivational-speakers-for-college-students) - Schools and Communities - [Schools and Communities](https://www.tlpnyc.com/our-programs/schools-and-communities/) - [Youth Development](https://www.tlpnyc.com/our-programs/schools-and-communities/youth-development) - [Staff Professional Development](https://www.tlpnyc.com/our-programs/schools-and-communities/professional-development) - [Family Engagement](https://www.tlpnyc.com/our-programs/schools-and-communities/family-engagement) - [CASEL Select Conflict Resolution Program](https://www.tlpnyc.com/casel) - [About Us](https://www.tlpnyc.com/about-us) - [Careers](https://tlpnyc.hire.trakstar.com/?) - [About Us](https://www.tlpnyc.com/about-us) - [Certified NYS & NYC Women Owned Business](https://www.tlpnyc.com/nys-certified-women-owned-business) - [ABC's of Leadership](https://www.tlpnyc.com/abcs-of-leadership) - [Resources and Tips](https://www.tlpnyc.com/blog) - [Our Blog](https://www.tlpnyc.com/blog) - [Books](https://www.tlpnyc.com/leadership-marketplace) - [Tips for Managers and Supervisors](https://www.tlpnyc.com/blog/topic/business) - [Resources for School Staff and Adminstration](https://www.tlpnyc.com/blog/topic/school) - [Professional Leadership Development](https://www.tlpnyc.com/blog/topic/professional) - [Free Webinars](https://www.tlpnyc.com/free-workshops) - [Contact Us](https://www.tlpnyc.com/contact-us) [![Schedule a Consultation](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2847193/7cd96dab-9a5f-430e-a043-72a0b53bf15d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2847193/7cd96dab-9a5f-430e-a043-72a0b53bf15d) # Situational Leadership| Difference between Directing and Coaching Style ![The Leadership Program](https://www.tlpnyc.com/hubfs/Full-Logo.gif) The Leadership Program Hi everyone! Today, we're going to learn about different ways people can be good leaders by talking with [Greg Shamie](mailto:Greg@tlpnyc.com) and [Christine Courtney](mailto:christine@tlpnyc.com) from the Leadership Program. They'll teach us about situational leadership, which is all about using the right leadership style at the right time. This can help make sure a leader's team works well together and gets things done. Situational leadership was created by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, and it shows that there isn't just one way to be a good leader. Instead, great leaders pay attention to their team members' skills and how much they care about their work. Then, they choose the best way to lead based on that information. When team members are new or not very experienced, leaders use the directing style. This is like being a head coach, giving clear instructions and watching how the team is doing. This might seem like the leader is always watching, but it's important to make sure everyone knows what to do and can do their jobs well. On the other hand, the coaching style is used when team members have some experience but might still need help or confidence. In this case, the leader is more like a supportive friend, giving encouragement, feedback, and advice. This style helps people feel better and more motivated, instead of just telling them what to do. The life cycle theory of leadership says that leaders should change how they lead as their team members grow and learn. Situational leaders know they need to be flexible and adjust to their team's needs, just like teachers in school or coaches of sports teams. In real life, good leaders often use a mix of directing and coaching styles to help their team members. By learning about situational leadership, leaders can make sure they're giving the right help and support to their team, which helps everyone succeed. In the end, situational leadership can teach people how to be better leaders by understanding when to use directing and coaching styles. By doing this, leaders can support their team members and help them do their best, making everyone more successful.   ## Watch the video below.  **Tags:** [Building Leaders](https://www.tlpnyc.com/blog/topic/building-leaders) ![The Leadership Program](https://www.tlpnyc.com/hubfs/Full-Logo.gif) ### By The Leadership Program The Leadership Program has deep roots in New York City, and our people embody its hope, diversity and transformative culture. We believe in curiosity, open-mindedness and lifelong learning. We apply those beliefs to our methodology in the classroom and the boardroom to inspire and invigorate schools, communities and businesses. 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