Module 1 discussion
Based on your readings of Chapters 1-3, discuss your
philosophy regarding how a leader should behave. Second, list two of your
favorite leaders (either those in the public eye or whom you might know
personally), and describe how they embody the Saint Leo Core Value of
Excellence.
Module 2 discussion
Have you ever seen (or been involved in) a situation in
which a participative approach to leadership has gone bad? What were the
conditions of this situation and why did you feel that it went bad? What should
the leader have done differently? Are there any warnings in your text or other
readings where they mention that this type of problem might occur with a
participative approach?
Module 3 discussion
What are the characteristics of leaders who derailed (failed
to perform successfully) and were either dismissed, transferred, opted for
early retirement, or simply plateaued with no chance for promotion (according
to the Center for Creative Leadership studies, 1983, 1985, 1995)? How do you
think your co-workers view you in regard to these characteristics? Be honest in
your self-assessment.
Module 4 discussion
What are the key similarities and differences of charismatic
and transformational leadership? What do you think are the impacts on followers
of each?
Module 5 discussion
Choose one of the following contingency theories:
House’s Path Goal Theory (1971)
Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Theory (1977)
Kerr and Jermier’s Leadership Substitute Ideas (1978)
Yukl’s Multiple-Linkage Model (1989)
Fiedler and Garcia’s Cognitive Resource Theory (1987)
Discuss what is known about the theory from a research
perspective. Do we know whether the ideas work or not? Are there any practical
“strategic” recommendations for leaders based on that theory? Be sure
to cite your sources using APA style.
Module 6 discussion
Have you ever been on a cross-functional team in which the
members were at odds with each other? What types of problems can members have?
What are some of the ways that leaders can help to work out these difficulties?
Module 7 discussion
Based on your reading of the article “Leading
Change” by John Kotter (1995), discuss three ideas, suggestions, or
sections of the article that you found interesting. For example, in Error 1,
Kotter argues that it is extremely difficult to get people to change because it
means they must move out of their comfortable routines and into the unknown.
Leaders often fail to create a great enough sense of urgency around the change
to make people want to do things differently. If your organization has gone
through a change recently, then you might want to discuss whether or not a
“sense of urgency” was established. What was the response? Feel free to use
Chapter 4 of your text to supplement your points.
