In which leadership style does the leader supplement direction with support to boost employee confidence?

The leadership style characterized by a leader who supplements direction with support to boost employee confidence is known as the Selling style. In this approach, leaders provide guidance and direction while also offering emotional support and encouragement. This dual focus aims not only to inform employees about what needs to be done but also to increase their understanding and confidence in their tasks.

The Selling style is particularly effective when employees have some level of competence but may lack confidence or motivation. By combining direction with support, leaders can help employees feel more empowered and engaged, thereby enhancing their performance. This style is often a transitional approach used when individuals or teams are developing their skills and require more than just directives; they need support in applying those directives to gain confidence.

In contrast, other leadership styles like Participating, Telling, and Delegating each focus on different dynamics. Participating leans more toward collaboration and joint decision-making, Telling is directive with little emphasis on support, and Delegating involves transferring responsibility to the employee without necessarily providing ongoing support. Therefore, in the context of boosting employee confidence, the Selling style is the most appropriate choice.