Transformational Leadership vs. Situational Leadership

The ability to lead is a requisite skill in today’s’ competitive world. But what is a leader and who can be called a true leader? Leadership has been defined in numerous ways and there is no one proper definition. However, a leader possesses qualities like influencing, powerful vision, ability to inspire others to perform, solving problems at hand, and charisma among others.

No two leaders are alike and different kinds of leadership skills are required for different situations. Transformational Leadership and Situational Leadership are two such styles that work with different goals in mind. The purpose is not very different but it is the approach that they take that sets them apart. Let’s have a look at the differences between the two styles.

Transformational leaders are strong personalities with a clear cut plan. They tend to have followers who are motivated by their strong vision. Situational leaders on the other hand are spontaneous. They do not lead based on a single vision but will lead in a manner that is the most sensible during that situation. They are more flexible and adaptive to change.

Transformational leaders are passionate and driven to achieve one particular goal. E.g.: if a company wants to grow in one particular direction, they are the perfect choice, as they lead keeping the vision in perspective. Passion with a vision is the most likely way to describe them. This is to say that if they are passionate about something and have a vision, people will follow them. It is with this passion that he has the ability to sell his vision. An added benefit is their charisma that motivates others to follow them. In this leadership type, the focus is more on the technique of the leader. But nothing is for sure anymore. You might be on top one day and you might know what hit you the next second. So what happens when something unthinkable happens? A situational leader’s skills play an immensely important role here. They focus on the task at hand and are very flexible with their approach.

Where transformational leaders are driven by one approach, situational leaders tend to apply various skill of his own and that of his followers to overcome the obstacles. They don’t lead in terms of having a faithful group of followers who will go in any direction he orders. They emphasize more on personal growth so that others also have the ability to tackle the task at hand.

Transformational leaders come up with new ways to keep people motivated to complete tasks, situational leaders emphasize more on analyzing a situation and adapting to it.

The former is he sought after leadership type when and an organization is looking for change. Take for instance; a company has recently launched a new product. Transformational leadership will motivate others to work in a direction with a vision of the leader. They have long term goals and plan strategically. Situational leaders alternate the style to deal with it so as to achieve affective results and focus more on short term goals.

Situational leadership seems apt for today’s transitional world where people are constantly innovating and renovating. Change is the need of the hour and with every modification comes its own set of obstacles. The situational leadership training program is crafted not only for individuals but can be implemented with an entire organization. This kind of program urges you to take a step forward and use your skills to work out a situation best.