Leadership styles change depending on circumstances. Whether you coach, instruct, support, or delegate depends on your periodic assessments of what’s needed. Since people and organizations are dynamic and always changing, so will your leadership styles.

A new employee needs instruction at first, for example. As he or she becomes familiar with the routine, your support will be more important than instruction. If you later decide to expand the work assignment with no increase in compensation, you’ll probably need to be a coach, providing both direction and support, at least at first. Eventually, a delegating approach might be most appropriate. The employee is now self-directed and self-motivated. Remember to give genuine words of appreciation when your expectations are met.