Which of the following describes supporting leadership?

• A. The leader makes decisions and defines tasks but seeks input from followers using two-way communication.
• B. The leader relies on extrinsic motivation to drive performance.
• C. The leader delegates day-to-day decisions and facilitates participation in decision-making while followers maintain control.
• D. The leader uses directive authority to ensure tasks are completed with little follower input.

Answer: (C)

Supporting leadership is about shifting responsibility to followers and providing support and facilitation so they participate in decisions and own the tasks. In this style, the leader delegates day-to-day decisions and encourages involvement in decision-making, while followers retain control over how work is done. That description best captures the essence of supporting leadership, where the leader acts as a facilitator and enabler rather than as the primary decision-maker.

Other approaches either keep the leader in charge with little follower input (directive), rely on motivation rather than the leadership approach itself, or mix input with ongoing leader-driven decisions in a way that isn’t as fully supportive.