What type of leadership style is best suited for members with high commitment but low competence?

The most effective leadership style for members who exhibit high commitment but low competence is the autocratic leadership style. In this context, autocratic leadership involves the leader providing clear guidance, direction, and structure to team members who may be motivated and dedicated but lack the necessary skills or experience to perform tasks independently.

Leaders using the autocratic style can establish specific processes and procedures, ensuring that team members understand expectations and how to achieve the desired outcomes. This is particularly important for those who are committed but unsure of how to translate that commitment into effective performance. By providing direct instructions and close supervision, the leader can help build the necessary skills and knowledge over time.

In contrast, participative, consultative, and laissez-faire styles may not be as effective in this scenario. Participative and consultative approaches involve collaboration and input from team members, which may lead to confusion among those who lack competence, as they might not be able to contribute meaningfully to discussions. Laissez-faire leadership allows for a high degree of autonomy, which could result in frustration and lack of progress for committed members who need more direction while they are still building their competencies. Therefore, autocratic leadership offers the structure and clarity needed in this specific situation.