SYMLOG vs.
Leadership style and quadrant model
Originally theorized by Hersey and Blanchard, and now modified by both after further research. Both models deal with leadership styles, where determining your style helps determine the appropriate behavior to show in any given situation. One relies on accurately determining the level of individual or group maturation level. The other outlines level of competence and commitment, with the levels of development, to determine the appropriate behavior. Both theories map into the PF quadrant, but are inadequate in dealing with individuals whose profile falls outside that area.
Introducing a SYMLOG analysis would allow you to more accurately understand your “situation”, and how to proceed with leading subordinates. Making ratings on co-workers would show the actual level of maturity or development you perceive them to have, and also further strengthen your ability to behave effectively with their individual needs.
Adding SYMLOG ratings from all members of the team would allow you as a group to examine your perceptions of each other, how effectively you believe you are able to work together, and what each of you needs to do, individually and collectively, to become more productive and effective.
The basic tenet of Situational Leadership is that there is no one best way to lead. Rather, what constitutes effective leadership varies with the "developmental level of the follower(s)" in a group.
Four leadership styles are identified-- Directing, Coaching, Supporting, Delegating -- for leading four types of groups, which range on a continuum of high-to-low membership maturity.
The leadership styles differ in the demonstration of behaviors associated with two theoretically orthogonal dimensions:
The two dimensions of Situational Leadership (SL II) correspond to Bales' Positive and Forward dimensions. SL II does not treat the second pole of either dimension, nor explicitly address Bales's third dimension of Dominance-Submissiveness (Upward-Downward) in the four styles of Situational Leadership. The four styles only express behaviors associated with the PF quadrant of the PN-FB plane.
The table below shows the four Situational Leadership styles and corresponding SYMLOG vectors. Thus, SL II's "prescriptive" curve can be heuristically positioned in the SYMLOG field diagram as shown in the figure.
SYMLOG Vectoral Type where:
P = Friendly behavior
F = Task-oriented, instrumental, authority-oriented behavior
U = Dominant behavior
Developmental Level of Followers D1: Low (developing = immature)
S1: Directing (Telling) Leadership Style
High directive (task) & low supportive (relationship) Behavioral Characteristics
Developmental Level of Followers D2: Low-to-moderate
S2: Coaching (Selling) Leadership Style
High directive (task) & high supportive (relationship) Behavioral Characteristics
Developmental Level of Followers D3: Moderate-to-high
S3: Supporting (Participating) Leadership Style
High supportive (relationship) & low directive (task) Behavioral Characteristics
Developmental Level of Followers D4: High (developed = mature
S4: Delegating Leadership Style
Low supportive (relationship) & low directive (task) Behavioral Characteristics
Corresponding to D1
PF-F, or U-PF-F (with moderate U)
Corresponding to D2
PF, or U-PF (with moderate U)
Corresponding to D3
P-PF, or U-P-PF (with moderate U)
Corresponding to D4
PF, or U-PF (with high U)
Explore other models in comparison to SYMLOG