Leadership Approaches Analysis Assignment

Trait Theory

The objective of this assignment is to analyze and apply a variety of leadership approaches in order to connect theory to practical application.

• Identify key functions and skills required of management within an organization.

• Identify and analyze leadership approaches in a variety of situations.

• Develop a personal management profile through introspection and reflection.

1. Identify three leadership traits from the Trait Theory you feel you do OR do not possess. E.g. you may identify three that you do possess, or three that you do not possess, or one you possess and two you do not possess, etc. It is up to you. Be sure to justify your responses. Provide specific examples from your life for each trait you identify. 

2. Identify one trait, characteristic, or personality trait which does NOT belong to the Trait Theory that you feel you possess which would help you become an effective leader.

3. Based on your analysis, do you feel you would be (are) an effective leader? Why or why not? Explain.

1. In your own words, explain Situational, Transformational, and Servant Leadership. Do NOT simply provide a brief textbook definition. Be thorough and explain the overall philosophy behind each approach. Although you may refer to the textbook, I am also looking for your own thoughts and perspectives for each of these leadership approaches

2. Of these three approaches, do you feel one is more effective than the others? Justify your response.

3. Reflect on your own experiences (personal and/ or professional) and provide one example of a time in your life where you, or someone you know, has illustrated any one of these leadership approaches, whether it be in a workplace setting or in some other setting. Describe your experience and clearly illustrate the relevance and application of the leadership approach that was used.

1. Identify a leader that has used power and influence in a harmful way. Identify an additional leader who has used power and influence in a positive way. For both of these leaders, identify where they received their power (e.g. expert power, coercive power, etc. Refer to your textbook) and provide examples to support your response.

In addition, state your thoughts on their motives for the use of power - in other words...what drove them/ motivated them to use their influence in this way? Be sure to justify your responses.

1. For each of the five leadership scenarios listed in the table below entitled, Leadership Scenarios, identify the leadership style (within the model which is provided) that would work best in the given situation. Be sure to justify your responses.

1. Based on your newfound knowledge and insights of leadership and management, create your own leadership/ management profile. In other words, describe what you would be like as a potential future leader/ manager. Are there any leadership theories you feel you would like to incorporate into your own practice? What would your core values be/ what would be important to you as a leader/ manager? Etc. In this section, you will identify insights gained and/ or significant learning moments from the leadership assignment. Discuss how these new learnings will help to inform your future professional practice, regardless of whether or not your path leads to a formal leadership or management role. Critical reflection is the foundation for this assignment.

2. What is critical reflection? The ability to view key concepts through a critical lens and to challenge your current views, ideas, beliefs, etc.; to explore them from a variety of different contexts thus enabling us to be open to “new” insights and perspectives. Do NOT simply submit a list of definitions. Assignments focussing on definitions/ chapter summaries will not receive marks.