A skilled electrician is selected to lead a crew, but the rest of the crew behind him is slower and the members avoid him. The supervisor should respond with which leadership action?

• A. Directive
• B. None required
• C. Supportive
• D. Coercive

Answer: (C)

Supportive leadership is the fit here because the issue isn’t a lack of direction but a morale and relationship challenge within the team. When the crew behind a skilled leader feels the dynamic and the leader’s presence creates distance, the supervisor should focus on building trust, removing obstacles, and helping everyone grow. A supportive approach involves coaching the lead to engage the crew, offering mentoring and training opportunities, encouraging open communication, and stepping in to ease tensions or miscommunications. This strengthens teamwork, improves skills, and sustains safety—crucial in electrical work.

Directives alone can push people to work harder but don’t address the underlying tension or skill gaps, and coercive methods can erode trust and safety. Doing nothing leaves the problem unresolved. By choosing a supportive approach, the supervisor helps the skilled leader and the rest of the crew align, perform better, and move forward together.