Reflection 3: Situational Leadership at SCDAO

As I’ve wrapped up my third week of my internship, I’ve found myself reflecting on how the situational theory of leadership relates to my experience thus far. Situational Leadership Theory, developed by Hersey and Blanchard, suggests that effective leadership varies based on the readiness and development level of followers. In our office, I’ve noticed how different prosecutors adjust their leadership styles when working with various team members, from interns like myself, to investigators and support staff like VWAs and administrative staff.

For example, when working with myself and the other interns, the lead ADA of our unit often employs a more directive style, providing clear instructions and close supervision if needed. This aligns with the “telling” style in Situational Leadership, which is appropriate for followers with low readiness levels. I experienced this firsthand when I’ve been assigned legal work, like direct indictment requests or compiling discovery. The attorney provided step-by-step guidance, explaining the process in detail and checking my work frequently.

In contrast, when interacting with paralegals or investigators, the same ADA adopts an approach that is more delegative in nature. This corresponds to the “delegating” style in the theory, suitable for more skilled followers. I’ve observed meetings between the ADAs in my unit where they discuss case strategy, with the attorney trusting their expertise to determine the best course of action.

The effectiveness of this adaptive leadership approach is evident in the smooth operation of our unit within the District Attorney’s Office. New team members like myself receive the guidance we need to develop our skills, while experienced staff members are empowered to work independently, fostering a sense of trust and maximizing productivity. The same can be said for the other offices and parties we interact with outside of our office, relative to their experience.

This flexibility in leadership style also contributes to our unit’s effectiveness in handling diverse cases. Different types of cases often require varied approaches, and the ability of our ADAs to adapt their style ensures that each case receives appropriate attention and resources. The way civil rights violations should be handled is different from elder crimes, which is different from crimes against disabled persons, too.