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The “Entrepreneurial” approach can be characterized as “Ready-Fire-Aim.” Action

is preferred to planning. However, often action often takes place without much
analysis and forethought. This style is the apotheosis of a bias for action. The
entrepreneurial style is designed to maximize opportunity. It can, however, be a

very chaotic style.

The “Bureaucratic” approach can be characterized as “Ready- Ready-Ready ….”
Action is deferred, and deferred, and might not even ever be taken. Hence the

“ready-ready-ready….” A typical comment is: “we are studying that.” This behavior
cans also be referred to as “paralysis through analysis.” The bureaucratic style is
intended to minimize risk.

The “Professional manager” approach can be characterized as “Ready-Aim-Fire.”
Action is taken, but only after systematic analysis, evaluation, and consideration of
alternatives. Data or information is a key component of the professional approach.

The “Professional manager” approach is designed to strike a balance between
taking advantage of opportunity and controlling risk. However, it can drift into
either the chaos of the entrepreneurial style or the rigidity of the bureaucratic style.

FACTORS THAT “DEFINE A SITUATION”

There are two main factors that “define a situation” for a choice of leadership

approach: 1) the degree of uncertainty or degree of knowledge about the situation,
and 2) the degree of risk in the situation.

These two factors lead to four “situational leadership combinations” as
follows:

Type A) Low risk and high certainty of information

Type B) Low risk and low certainty of information

Type C) High risk and high certainty of information

Type D) High risk and low certainty of information

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