The 3-D Leadership Model outlines three leadership styles: direct, discuss, and delegate. The model shows that different situations and people require different styles, from directing tasks for low experience individuals to delegating more independent work. Effective leaders diagnose what approach is needed and can facilitate moving between directing, discussing, and delegating depending on the current situation and what is possible.

1. 3-D Leadership Model
Paul B. Thornton

2.  Paul B. Thornton
Author, Trainer, Speaker and
Professor—Business Administration

4. DIRECT
DISCUSS
DELEGATE
LO TASK EXPERIENCE HI

5. DIRECT
DISCUSS
DELEGATE
DEPENDENT INDEPENDENT

6. Show
Tell Ask Empower
DIRECT
DISCUSS
DELEGATE
Affirm
3-D Leadership Model
Facilitate

7. Current Situation vs What’s Possible

8. Diagnose
Direct Discuss Delegate
Different
Situations
Different
People

9. A leader who only uses
one style of leading, is
like a painter who only
uses one color.

10. Personal Development Plan
 Identify one leadership style you
want to improve.
 Write down one action you will
take to become more proficient
when using that style.