SLII IFC flashcards
SLII IFC · Build recall with a focused review session.
33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Directive behavior
- The degree to which a leader gives specific direction: setting goals, defining steps, establishing timelines, and clarifying who does what, when, and how. It is one of the two SLII® behavioral axes.
- Supportive behavior
- The degree to which a leader listens, encourages, praises, asks for input, and facilitates problem-solving. It is the second SLII® axis and is distinct from giving direction.
- S1 Directing
- High directive, low supportive leadership style. The leader defines roles and tasks, closely supervises progress, and makes decisions; it matches a follower at development level D1.
- S2 Coaching
- High directive, high supportive style. The leader still decides but explains rationale, invites input, and offers encouragement; it matches D2, whose commitment is low while competence is growing.
- S3 Supporting
- Low directive, high supportive style. The leader shares decision-making, facilitates, listens, and reassures; it matches D3, who has capability but variable confidence or commitment.
- S4 Delegating
- Low directive, low supportive style. The leader transfers responsibility for decisions and problem-solving and agrees on monitoring points; it matches the self-reliant D4.
- Development level D1
- Low competence with high commitment. The enthusiastic beginner lacks task-specific skill but brings motivation and willingness; the correct style match is S1 Directing.
- Development level D2
- Low-to-some competence with low commitment. The disillusioned learner has begun learning the task but has lost initial enthusiasm; the correct style match is S2 Coaching.
- Development level D3
- Moderate-to-high competence with variable commitment. The capable but cautious performer can do the task but may hesitate or doubt; the correct style match is S3 Supporting.
- Development level D4
- High competence with high commitment. The self-reliant achiever performs independently and confidently; the correct style match is S4 Delegating.
- Competence
- Demonstrated knowledge and skill applied to a specific task or goal. In SLII® it is assessed per goal, not as a fixed personality trait, and it rises with practice and feedback.
- Commitment
- A follower's motivation and confidence regarding a specific task or goal. It is separate from competence and can be high, low, or variable independently of skill level.
- Task-specific diagnosis
- Assessing development level for one goal at a time. The same person may be D1 on a new system, D3 on client reporting, and D4 on their core craft simultaneously.
- Style flexibility
- A leader's ability to use all four SLII® styles as the situation requires, rather than defaulting to one preferred style. Flexibility is paired with diagnosis as the two core leader capabilities.
- Style range
- The set of styles a leader can actually use effectively. A narrow range limits matching; development of range is a stated aim of SLII® practice.
- Diagnosis before style
- The SLII® sequence: first determine the follower's development level for the specific goal, then select the matching style. Selecting a style before diagnosing is a common mismatch error.
- Mismatch consequences
- Over-supervising a D4 produces resistance or disengagement; under-directing a D1 produces failure and lost confidence. The direction of mismatch predicts the type of problem.
- Regression to lower development level
- A follower can move backward, for example a D4 becoming D3 after losing resources, context, or confidence. Leaders re-diagnose rather than assume permanent status.
- Progression through levels
- Movement from D1 to D4 is not automatic. Progress depends on appropriate style matching, feedback, and the follower gaining both skill and confidence over time.
- Directive-supportive grid
- The two-by-two framework with directive behavior on one axis and supportive behavior on the other. The four quadrants correspond to S1 through S4 leadership styles.
- Shared responsibility model
- SLII® expects followers to communicate the direction and support they need. Leadership style is negotiated in dialogue, not applied unilaterally to a passive recipient.
- Goal clarity prerequisite
- Development level can only be diagnosed against a defined goal or task. Vague assignments make competence and commitment impossible to assess reliably.
- Observation-based assessment
- Competence and commitment are judged from observable performance and conversation, not from age, tenure, title, or personality type. This keeps diagnosis task-specific and current.
- Enthusiastic beginner
- Descriptive label for D1. The person is new to the task and highly willing, so the leader supplies structure and direction while the follower builds skill.
- Disillusioned learner
- Descriptive label for D2. Early experience has revealed difficulty, commitment has dropped, and the leader must combine direction with explanation and encouragement.
- Capable but cautious performer
- Descriptive label for D3. Skill is largely in place but confidence fluctuates, so the leader shifts to listening, facilitating, and shared decision-making.
- Self-reliant achiever
- Descriptive label for D4. The follower performs at high competence and high commitment and needs autonomy with agreed monitoring rather than close oversight.
- Checkpoint monitoring
- In S4 Delegating, the leader does not disappear but agrees review points and outcomes in advance. Monitoring is outcome-focused rather than step-by-step supervision.
- Style adaptation over time
- As a follower's development level changes, the leader's style must change with it. A style that matched last quarter may now be over- or under-supervision.
- Commitment fluctuation
- Commitment can vary within a level, which is why D3 is described as variable rather than low. Leaders probe confidence and motivation before choosing S3 or S2.
- Inappropriate over-direction
- Applying S1 or S2 behaviors to a D3 or D4 follower. Symptoms include frustration, reduced initiative, and the follower feeling distrusted.
- Inappropriate under-direction
- Applying S3 or S4 behaviors to a D1 or D2 follower. Symptoms include missed deadlines, avoidable errors, and declining confidence in the leader.
- SLII® core capabilities
- Two leader capabilities anchor the model: diagnosis of development level and flexibility of style. Effective matching requires both; strength in one does not compensate for weakness in the other.