Situational Leadership Theory (SLT)

Helena Mladenovski, Spring 2023

This article is based on the Situational Leadership model developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard while they wrote “Management of Organizational Behavior: Utilizing Human Resources.”

Abstract

Having a managing role in projects is not just about ensuring that the given project objectives are met, but also about leading the people involved. In more recent years, it has become clear that there is no such thing as the “right” leadership style.

The Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership model, first published in 1969, suggests that no specific leadership style is better than the other, but rather that the leader should adjust their style according to those they lead (followers) and their ability level (maturity). To achieve this, it requires the leaders to analyze the given scenario and the maturity level of the follower. Blanchard revised the model and published a new version in 1979, although being very similar to the original. In order to avoid confusion, the glossary used in this article is based on the newest version by Blanchard, also called the SLII model.

The model is three-dimensional, as it (1) relies on the maturity level of the followers, (2) the amount of direction (task behavior) needed from the leader, as well as (3) the amount of socio-emotional support (relationship behavior) provided by the leader. The given leadership styles take the personal development of the individual into consideration and thus follows four phases; Directing, Coaching, Supporting, Delegating.

This article aims to highlight the fact that the theory can be adopted in various fields and on different levels, including project, program and portfolio management. The Situational Leadership Model can act as a guideline for managers to make decisions about resource allocation, prioritization, risk management and leadership style. There are however different limitations to the model and different suggestions have therefore been provided in order to view the Situational Leadership model in a broader context.

Application

Responsibility of the PM to assess the maturity level and then adapt. Example

Situational Leadership on project level

Ref test

Ref test no 2