Week 4: Contingency Theory

According to the Contingency Theory, with a medium level of structure, relationship oriented leadership is preferable. I would assert that currently the NLG SF Chapter has a medium level of structure. Jay, the Executive Director started in January. She has been candid with me that she is working to revitalize the organization because many of the members and committees were disgruntled and burnt out from the prior leadership. Jay has set out action steps on how to accomplish this revitalization such as creating a new website and meeting with the individual committees to see where they need support and what the NLG staff office can do to help them meet their goals. Therese, the office coordinator has been with the Guild for several years and has been in the office under the previous leadership. She understands the day to day necessities and keeps things running smoothly. Charlene was just hired last week and is new to the job. Similarly, I and the other intern are relatively new.

Although I have only been there a few weeks, I have noticed that Jay makes an effort to establish relationships with all of the office members. On my first day, as well as Charlene’s, Jay took us out to lunch to get to know us and share her vision for the Guild Chapter. During my lunch, it seemed very apparent that she had just reviewed my resume because she was asking me questions about my past experiences as well as how I would like this internship to help inform my future career. She has a busy schedule but she sets aside weekly meetings with each staff member to check in with their progress and assess whether they need more guidance or support. Additionally, twice she has brought in treats for the office to build morale- donuts on “National Donut Day” and pie “just because.” Both times created an environment for all staff members to sit around one table and get to know one another. Over pie, we ended up going on a long tangent of one of the most interesting conversations I’ve ever had. Although there is still some difference in work approach between Jay and Therese, I believe these moments allow for mutual understanding and trust building and a more amiable, productive work environment overall.