Situational leadership theory (SLT), is a contingency theory that focuses on followers’ readiness. Before we proceed, two points need clarification: Why a leadership theory focuses on the followers, and what is meant by the term readiness.
The emphasis on the followers in leadership effectiveness reflects the reality that it is the followers who accept or reject the leader. Regardless of what the leader does, the group’s effectiveness depends on the actions of the followers. This important dimension has been overlooked or underemphasized in most leadership theories. And readiness refers to the extent to which people have the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task.