Situation 2
Development level: Diagnosis—D4: It appears that your team leader demonstrates a great deal of competence, both in the ways she functions and in reorganizations. The team leader sees the need for the reorganization and, thus, would be committed to workable suggestions to accomplish it. The team leader appears to be at the D4 level of development, with high competence and high commitment. Therefore, an S4 (Delegating) style of leadership is appropriate in this situation.
The leader action described here is a MISMATCH -- It is OVERSUPERVISION.
Rationale – Basically, the leadership style is a Style 1 (Directing) approach, which assumes that your team leader does not have good ideas to offer concerning the pending reorganization. By directing her, you are assuming responsibility for the entire task yourself. This is not only poor use of your time, but it may result in a less-than-perfect plan for the reorganization. It may also result in a plan that is poorly accepted by the team. Finally, it may result in diminished commitment to you as leader, to future tasks and the organization generally, not only by the team leader but all the individuals on the team.
Preferred Strategy -- You should give the team leader the assignment or reorganizing the team. Ask her to complete the task in a week and to submit the plan for your final approval. Rationale – By choosing a Style 4 (Delegating) approach to plan the reorganization of the team, your time is free for other things. The team leader’s high level of competence and commitment will very likely result in a successful plan that can and will be supported.