Define "situational leadership."

Situational leadership is defined as a leadership style that adjusts according to the needs of the team and the context. This approach recognizes that different situations and individuals may require different leadership styles. For example, a leader may need to take a more directive role when team members are inexperienced and require guidance. Conversely, when team members are more experienced and capable, the leader can adopt a more delegative or supportive approach, allowing team members the autonomy to make decisions.

This flexibility is what makes situational leadership particularly effective in various situations, as it allows leaders to assess the development levels of their team members and adjust their leadership style accordingly. By doing so, leaders can foster better team performance, improve morale, and effectively guide their teams through different challenges.

In contrast, a fixed approach to leading would ignore the nuances of team dynamics and the varying demands of different circumstances. Crisis management focuses solely on high-pressure situations and wouldn't encompass the broader application of situational leadership. Lastly, a strategy centered on hierarchical authority tends to emphasize a top-down approach that may not address the specific needs of team members, which situational leadership aims to do.