The leadership continuum, developed by Tannenbaum and Schmidt, identifies seven leadership styles based on the use of boss-centered versus employee-centered leadership. Before selecting one of the seven leadership styles, the user must consider the following three factors, or variables.

The manager. What is the leader’s preferred style, based on experience and confidence in the subordinates? The subordinates. What is the subordinates’ preferred style for the leader? The situation. What are the environmental considerations, such as the organization’s size, structure, goals, and technology?

As you consider the situational variables, you will realize that they are descriptive; the model does not state which style to use in a situation. The leadership styles tell the leader which style to use in a given situation.