Introduction to Leadership : Concepts and Practice

by Peter G. Northouse

• ISBN13: 9781412989527
• ISBN10: 1412989523
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-04-04
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

Offering a straightforward introduction to the basic principles of leadership, the Second Edition of Introduction to Leadership focuses on providing readers with practical strategies for becoming better leaders. An applied text by the author of the SAGE best-seller Leadership: Theory and Practice, Fifth Edition, this text provides the much needed 'œhow-to' component of leading for students in leadership courses.Three interactive components in every chapter: self-assessment questionnaires, observational exercises, and reflection and action worksheets get readers actively involved in applying leadership concepts to their own lives. Grounded in leadership theory, yet accessible and reader-friendly, this book covers a fundamental aspect of leadership in each chapter and illustrates its application in real leadership situations. A final chapter discusses the key topic of ethics in leadership.Key features of the Second Edition- Looks at one quality of leadership per chapter, making it easier for readers to understand and apply material to their own lives- Uses examples and case studies to illustrate each fundamental aspect of leadership (creating a vision, listening to out-group members, and overcoming obstacles, for example)- Encourages readers to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire before reading each chapter to explore their own leadership styles and preferences- Guides readers in examining behaviours of leaders from their own lives through each chapter's Observational Exercise- Includes Reflection and Action Worksheets that encourage readers to reflect upon their own leadership styles and identify an action plan for improving their leadership skills.

Table of Contents

Preface

Being a Leader

Defining Leadership

Global Leadership Attributes

Practicing Leadership

Conceptualizing Leadership Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Recognizing Your Traits

Historical Leaders: What Traits Do These Leaders Display?

Leadership Studies: What Traits Do Effective Leaders Exhibit?

Leadership Traits Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Recognizing Your Philosophy and Style of Leadership

What Is Your View of Human Behavior at Work?

Styles of Leadership: Authoritarian, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire

Box 3.1 Leadership on the Silver Screen

What Is Your Style of Leadership?

Leadership Styles Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Attending to Tasks and Relationships

What Is Your Personal Style?

What Kind of Leader Are You?

Task and Relationship Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Developing Leadership Skills

What Are Your Core Leadership Skills?

Leadership Skills Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflections and Action Worksheet

Creating a Vision

What Are the Characteristics of a Vision?

How Is a Vision Articulated?

How Is a Vision Implemented?

Leadership Vision Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Setting the Tone

Provide Structure

Clarify Norms

Build Cohesiveness

Promote Standards of Excellence

Setting the Tone Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Listening to Out-Group Members

Who Is in the Out-Group?

Why Do Out-Groups Form?

What Is the Impact of Out-Groups?

How Should a Leader Respond to Out-Groups?

Responding to Members of the Out-Group Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflections and Action Worksheet

Handling Conflict

Conflict Defined

Communication and Conflict

Kinds of Conflict

Fisher and Ury Approach to Conflict

Communication Strategies for Conflict Resolution

Styles of Approaching Conflict

Conflict Style Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Overcoming Obstacles

Obstacle 1: Unclear Goals

Obstacle 2: Unclear Directions

Obstacle 3: Low Motivation

Obstacle 4: Complex Tasks

Obstacle 5: Simple Tasks

Obstacle 6: Low Involvement

Obstacle 7: Lack of a Challenge

Path-Goal Styles Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Addressing Ethics in Leadership

Ethical Leadership Is About the Character of the Leader

Ethical Leadership Is About the Actions of the Leader

Ethical Leadership Is About the Goals of the Leader

Ethical Leadership Is About the Honesty of the Leader

Ethical Leadership Is About the Power of the Leader

Ethical Leadership Is About the Values of the Leader

Core Values Questionnaire

Observational Exercise

Reflection and Action Worksheet

Questionnaires

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