The Situational Leadership II (SLII) model

Here’s the very confusing image that always gets shared around:

And here’s my summary of what it means:

The SLII (Situational Leadership II) model says to change your leadership style to match the development of the person you’re leading. So there are four development stages of your people:

• D1 (new, unsure)
• D2 (semi-experienced but unconfident)
• D3 (competent but cautious)
• D4 (experienced and confident)

Those match up with with the four leadership styles:

• Directing: High direction, low support. Best for D1.
• Coaching: High direction AND support. Best for D2.
• Supporting: Low direction, high support. Best for D3.
• Delegating: Low direction AND support. Best for D4.