Final answer:
Effective leadership requires a balance of supportive and job-centered approaches, tailored to the varying needs of employees. The effectiveness of these traits is context-dependent on the specific situation and individual follower needs, making the statement partly true.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effective leaders must possess a balance of being supportive and job-centered, with the notion of this balance being contextual rather than strictly binary. As such, it's not completely true to assert that leaders must be both supportive and job-centered universally; different situations and individual employee needs may warrant different leadership approaches. Addressing the different preferences and needs of employees is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive leader-follower relationship. For instance, employees high in need of leadership may thrive under a leader who is job-centered and provides a well-structured environment. Conversely, more autonomous employees may prefer less structure and more support. The answer to the question 'Effective leaders must be both supportive and job-centered' can then be considered context-dependent, but understanding the nuances of both elements is essential for effective leadership.