Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Theory (SLT) states that a leader's effectiveness depends on the readiness, or ability and willingness, of his or her followers to complete a task. This leadership style is a fusion of task-oriented and relationship-oriented characteristics that are employed depending on the situation and the collaborators involved. According to SLT, as followers increase in readiness, the leader's style is to adapt accordingly (Kinicki & Kreitner, 2009). The following figures (Babou, 2008) summarize the leadership behaviors that SLT assumes are appropriate for the various stages of follower readiness. . Each quadrant on the Leadership Behaviors graph corresponds to the same quadrant on the Follower Willingness graph. Leadership Behaviors Follower Availability For example, according to this theory the leader would employ High Directive/High Supportive leadership behaviors towards the Disillusioned Student. Ideally, the leader helps followers as they progress through the stages to reach the Self-Reliance/Delegation level. While I don't necessarily fully subscribe to the theory, it appears to have some merit and I believe it is important for an effective leader to have the ability and flexibility to adapt their style to the needs of followers in order to encourage everyone's success. I also believe that an effective leader plays a significant role in promoting and shaping the preparedness of individuals related to motivation and engagement. Therefore, I developed my leadership assessment with these points in mind. The assessment focuses on 14 attributes that I believe are important not only for a leader to succeed within the parameters of the SLT, but… halfway through the document… is less difficult to reflect on because I am revealing that I have a long way to go , actually more than I would have estimated. They also reveal that Bobby believes in my potential and ability to succeed as an effective leader. I know I can do it, but it was very reassuring to hear it from another person I respect very much. It also confirms the value of my decision to enroll in the Organizational Leadership degree program at CSU. Lessons and exercises like this will definitely be an integral part of my long-term success as an effective leader.Works CitedBabou. (2008, March 26). Variations in situational leadership [Online forum comment]. Retrieved from http://leadershipchamps.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/variations-in-situational-leadership/Kinicki, A., & Kreitner, R. (2009). Organizational behavior (4th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.