Which leadership behavior is characterized by closely supervising and ensuring results?

The leadership behavior characterized by closely supervising and ensuring results aligns with telling behaviors, which emphasize directive communication and strict oversight. Leaders who exhibit telling behaviors provide clear instructions and expectations to their subordinates, closely monitoring their adherence to these directives. This style is effective in situations that require high control, especially when tasks are complex or when team members lack the necessary experience.

In contrast, participating behaviors typically involve a more collaborative approach, where a leader invites input and shares decision-making responsibilities with team members. Selling behaviors focus on persuading and motivating team members to buy into a vision or task, promoting enthusiasm and commitment rather than strict oversight. Delegating behaviors, on the other hand, involve assigning responsibility for decision-making to team members, which reduces the leader's direct supervision and allows for greater autonomy.

Telling behaviors are thus the most fitting for situations demanding close supervision and a strong focus on results, making it the correct answer in this context.