Forty years of Blanchard research has proven that the best leadership style is the one that matches the developmental needs of the person you’re working with. Is the direct report new and inexperienced about the task at hand? If so, more guidance and direction are called for. Are they experienced and skilled? In that case, they require less hands-on supervision and a more supportive style.

All of us are at different levels of development depending on the task we are working on at any given time. To bring out the best in others, leadership must be tailored to both the individual and the situation. Giving people too much or too little direction has a negative impact on their development.