What is Situational Leadership?

Situational Leadership is a听model听for developing individuals so they can reach their highest level of performance on a听specific听goal or task. It is a听process听that supervisors can use to help individuals ultimately become self-motivated and self-directed. In this model, the supervisor learns skills to assess an individual鈥檚 development level.

Situational Leadership Model at Boston College

Since听 June 2008, over 200 managers representing a cross section of business units have taken part in the two-day training. They include Dining, Facilities, Police, Residential Life, and University Advancement, among several others. Follow-up sessions are also scheduled to reinforce learning. Several HR staff members have received national certification to train others in the Situational Leadership model.



Learning Outcomes


听Supervisors and managers trained in this model learn to:

establish clear goals and objectives for performance (S.M.A.R.T. goals);

diagnose an employee鈥檚 level of competence and commitment for a designated task;

agree on a performance plan with an employee on assigned work; and

give performance feedback in ways that are appropriate to the employee鈥檚 development level.

Situational Leadership model