The activator introduces topics to stimulate discussion and actively listens to the group's response. The activator seeks to facilitate an open, secure, non-judging group climate in which all members feel safe to contribute. The activator has both a high task and high maintenance orientation. Activators try to stimulate the group to set and pursue its own tasks. They also seek to maintain the group by encouraging group and individual growth.
Several factors determine the best leadership style for a given situation.
Most of us adopt a particular leadership style and use it in all situations. Even after we have been exposed to a range of possible leadership behaviors and feel they would be appropriate for given situations, we find it difficult to play some of the roles. If we are not naturally jovial and friendly, our attempts to play the cavalier are likely to ring hollow, especially if the group perceives us as a controller. In a situation calling for a cavalier, we might better abdicate to someone in the group who is a natural cavalier. Hersey and Blanc hard recommend that the leader move.