My guests this week on Episode 246 of The Executive Edge podcast have spent decades working out why the same leadership approach can inspire one person and frustrate another. Their answer is practical, easy to apply and might just change how you handle your next difficult conversation.
Suzie Bishop and Sam Shriver are from The Center for Leadership Studies, the home of the Situational Leadership model. Sam has been studying leaders for 45 years. He started his career working for Dr Paul Hersey, who created the model. Suzie has spent 15 years there and led its modernisation after the pandemic. Between them, they’ve seen leadership from just about every angle.
Sam and Suzie’s big idea is refreshingly simple:
There’s no one right way to lead. Every style works, and every style fails. It depends on the person, the task and the moment.
During our conversation I told them about a business owner I once worked with. He asked his warehouse team to repaint the building and said they could choose any colour they liked. He meant it kindly. But the team couldn’t agree, and the decision dragged on for weeks. So he went back and offered them three colours to choose from. They picked one straight away and were relieved to have the choice made simpler.
Suzie broke this anecdote down, explaining exactly why what happened happened:
When change hits, people need direction. Leaving them to it doesn’t feel like freedom. It feels like being abandoned.
A few other moments I think you’ll enjoy:
Sam’s take on why some companies are getting AI so right, and others so wrong
A brilliant definition of stress that I’ll be borrowing
Why Suzie doesn’t believe in “A players” (and she makes a very good case!)
What happens when flexible policies meet unspoken expectations
And yes, there’s a moment where I say something rather cheeky about growing a pair. Sam said it was a podcast first for him.
This week’s takeaway
Leading well isn’t about having a style. It’s about reading the room. When someone is new to something, give them clear direction. That’s not bossy. It’s kind. When they’re ready, step back. And if you have a standard, say it out loud. People can’t hit a target they can’t see.
Have a listen and let me know what you think. I’d especially love to hear if the warehouse story rings any bells for you.
Take care,
Sue
P.S. Suzie and Sam’s book, Situational Leadership: The Model for Leading Others, Navigating Change, and Unlocking Performance, is out now on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble and at situational.com.
