Video Transcript: The Hersey and Blanchard Model

Another recent situational perspective, especially popular among practicing managers is the Hersey Blanchard model, like the leadership grid. This model was developed as a consulting tool. Let's take a look at the Hersey Blanchard model. The Hersey and Blanchard model is based on the notion that appropriate leader behavior depends on the readiness of the leader's followers. In this instance, readiness refers to the subordinates, degree of motivation, competence, experience and interest in accepting responsibility. Here's the basic model, the figure suggests that as readiness of followers improves, the leader's basic style should also change when subordinate readiness is low. For example, the leader should rely on a telling style by providing direction and defining roles when low to moderate readiness exists, the leader should use a selling style by offering direction and role definition accompanied by an explanation and information. In the case of moderate to high follower readiness, the leader should use a participating style, allowing followers to share in decision making. Finally, when follower readiness is high, the leader is advised to use a delegating style, by allowing followers to work independently with little or no oversight, the Hersey and Blanchard theory suggests that leader behavior should vary in response to the readiness of followers