In situational leadership, which style combines high regard for relationships with low task behavior and corresponds to high readiness?

• A. Telling
• B. Selling
• C. Participating
• D. Delegating

Answer: (C)

In situational leadership, you choose how to lead based on how ready the followers are in terms of ability and willingness, using four styles that pair different levels of task direction with relationship support. The style that combines a strong emphasis on relationships with relatively little task direction is about guiding and supporting people rather than giving them step-by-step instructions. You engage them, ask for their input, listen, and help them solve problems together, rather than telling them exactly what to do.

This approach fits followers who are capable but may need encouragement, collaboration, or reassurance to stay motivated. By focusing on the relationship and involving them in decisions, you build their confidence and commitment, which is a sign of higher readiness. Delegating would be more appropriate for the highest readiness, where both ability and willingness are high and little direct support is needed. But when the emphasis is on relationship-building and sharing the work without heavy task-micromanagement, participation is the best match.