LSM (Leadership Situational Model): The Leadership Situational Model, also known as the Situational Leadership® Model, was developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard. It suggests that effective leaders are those who can adapt their leadership style based on the readiness or maturity level of their followers. The model proposes four leadership styles:
- Directing: In this style, leaders provide clear instructions and closely supervise their followers. It is suitable for followers who are inexperienced or lack the necessary skills and knowledge to perform tasks independently.
- Coaching: In the coaching style, leaders continue to provide guidance and support but also encourage follower development and skill-building. It is used when followers have some competence but still need direction and feedback.
- Supporting: Leaders using the supporting style provide more autonomy to their followers and facilitate their decision-making. This style is employed with followers who are competent and motivated but may require occasional guidance or clarification.
- Delegating: The delegating style involves giving followers a high level of autonomy and responsibility for decision-making. Leaders using this style trust their followers’ competence and commitment. It is suitable for followers who are highly skilled and motivated.
The LSM emphasizes the importance of matching leadership style to the needs and capabilities of followers, taking into account their competence and commitment levels. Effective leaders are flexible and adaptable, using different leadership styles based on the situation and the developmental stage of their followers.
Team Building: Team building refers to the process of enhancing team performance, cohesion, and collaboration. It involves various activities and interventions aimed at developing trust, improving communication, clarifying roles, fostering a positive team culture, and resolving conflicts within a team. The purpose of team building is to create a cohesive and high-performing team that can effectively achieve its goals.
Team building activities can include icebreakers, team-building games, problem-solving exercises, team retreats, and team-building workshops. These activities promote team bonding, improve communication and collaboration, enhance problem-solving and decision-making skills, and build mutual trust and support among team members.
Tuckman Model of Team Development: The Tuckman Model, developed by Bruce Tuckman, describes the stages of team development that teams typically go through. The model consists of four stages:
- Forming: In the forming stage, team members come together, and individuals get to know each other. There is usually a high dependence on the leader for guidance and direction. Goals and roles may not be clear, and there may be a sense of uncertainty among team members.
- Storming: In the storming stage, conflicts and disagreements arise as team members start to establish their positions, express opinions, and compete for influence. There may be power struggles and challenges to the team’s goals and direction.
- Norming: In the norming stage, team members begin to resolve their conflicts and develop group norms and cohesion. They establish clearer roles, expectations, and processes. Trust and collaboration increase, and a sense of shared purpose develops.
- Performing: In the performing stage, the team operates at its highest level of productivity and effectiveness. Roles are well-defined, and team members work together smoothly towards achieving common goals. There is a high level of trust, open communication, and a focus on continuous improvement.
Tuckman’s model suggests that teams go through these stages of development, but it’s important to note that not all teams follow a linear progression. Teams may cycle back to earlier stages when new members join, significant changes occur, or when facing new challenges.
Understanding the Tuckman Model helps leaders and team members recognize the typical challenges and dynamics experienced during team development. It highlights the importance of addressing conflicts and establishing clear roles and norms to facilitate team effectiveness and performance.